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Not Peace, but the Sword
Not Peace - but the Sword - Matthew 10:34-39
Oh beautiful imagery - the Sword,
And not a lazy peace at any cost,
The world has seen, experienced and heard
The consequence of peace that is imposed.
The Prince of Peace tells us He brings the Sword,*
And fire and He hopes it will burn high,-
Amazing passages, astounding words,
The Saviour does the sluggish peace defy:
"Lo! I have come to cast on earth my fire**.
And wish so much the kindling of its flame.
And spreading of it is my great desire,
To foster the Good News which I proclaim"!
God, our Savior's Word, the Gospel is
No chicken soup of comfort for the soul.
It is a sword, - not indolent a peace,
It is for choice and freedom, - not control.
"Peace ! peace ! - they say, when there is never peace"
So prophet Jeremiah did lament,
In truth such peace is often a big fizz,
Replaced by rage that people later vent.
God's word is Truth,. which is a two edged sword,
That brings division by necessity,
For clinging to the truth, the divine word,
May bring discord 'mongst friends and family.
And those we love, and those that love us most
Would beg us to be reasonable please,
And hug the torpid peace at any cost,
Abstain from risks, for peace's sake for sweet peace !.
Control is exercised by peace imposed,
Peace maker institutions know this too.
Creating peace when all is gone and lost,
And after peace more hate will yet ensue.
Seek first the kingdom, not compacency,
And use the Sword- the two edged of the Truth,
And not the peace of dawdling lethargy,
But keep the sword well honed for proper use.
It heals the wound that it inflicts- this sword,
The putrid oozing gash it pares away,
Its steel is harp, dependable to gird
The faltering weary pilgrim underway.
It cauterizes ulcer and abscess,
And cleanses the malignant gash and bruise,
It cuts from torpor's sluggish listlessness,
And strings of greedy grasp and clutching loose.
It challenges this blessed sword of His,
Its office is to subtly peel and pare
From everything that not His kingdom is,
And cuts through cords and traps set to ensnare.
The wise king Solomon did too resort,
When judging the two women,- litigants,
Oh threat,- to halve the infant with his sword,
But truth came forth, truth clear and triumphant.
Some want a Jesus, soft touch, sweet and nice,
All sugar with a saccharine sweet smile,
That recommends a peace at any price,
A peace domesticated and servile.
We thank you Jesus for the Truth,- your Word,
And for the marvellous imagery, -
Your flaming fire and the two-edged Sword,
The Truth Divine, which only comes from Thee.
Solomon 1 - Kings 3.15a-28
Matthew 10:34-39
* Luke*(12:49–53,14:25–33)
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Solomon,- 1 Kings 3.15a-28
Matthew 10:34-39
by Elizabeth Dandy
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