The Wrestler

Inside the thirty foot line, the circle-world of pain, contest and fatigue, lies this struggle of man- of Jacob left alone.

With fear, sweat, blood and toil he grabs to take, at war against himself, his own self- made god.

 In short time exhaustion comes, fatigue and sinews drawn, for loss and victory is certain now, assured only to One.

Humbled man, your little god is now so small and weak, would you yet cling, and seek the blessing of a permanent limp?

 Would you now, not deserving, receive your new name, “Deceiver” no more but “Israel”; “Haser”, my child, you no longer lack.

 Oh humbled lad, defeated, yet victorious, in the grip of Champion Everlasting, who never tires of love poured out- to sacrifice.

 And still the blessings come, and yet, He wrestles on.

A Poet-Warrior’s Pen

A poet’s pen and mighty sword, is but a crutch to Thee.

A girl’s sweet smile and laughing love, shows just your heart for me.

 The man who was, and is, and will, with joy and judgment bring: once came, still comes, and yet to come, eternal shall He be.

Psalm 45 For the choir director: A love song to be sung to the tune “Lilies.” A psalm[a] of the descendants of Korah. 1 Beautiful words stir my heart. I will recite a lovely poem about the king, for my tongue is like the pen of a skillful poet. 2 You are the most handsome of all. Gracious words stream from your lips. God himself has blessed you forever. 3 Put on your sword, O mighty warrior! You are so glorious, so majestic! 4 In your majesty, ride out to victory, defending truth, humility, and justice. Go forth to perform awe-inspiring deeds! 5 Your arrows are sharp, piercing your enemies’rts. The nations fall beneath your feet. 6 Your throne, O God,[b] endures forever and ever. You rule with a scepter of justice. 7 You love justice and hate evil. Therefore God, your God, has anointed you, pouring out the oil of joy on you more than on anyone else. 8 Myrrh, aloes, and cassia perfume your robes. In ivory palaces the music of strings entertains you. 9 Kings’ daughters are among your noble women. At your right side stands the queen, wearing jewelry of finest gold from Ophir! 10 Listen to me, O royal daughter; take to heart what I say. Forget your people and your family far away. 11 For your royal husband delights in your beauty; honor him, for he is your lord. 12 The princess of Tyre[c] will shower you with gifts. The wealthy will beg your favor. 13 The bride, a princess, looks glorious in her golden gown. 14 In her beautiful robes, she is led to the king, accompanied by her bridesmaids. 15 What a joyful and enthusiastic procession as they enter the king’s palace! 16 Your sons will become kings like their father. You will make them rulers over many lands. 17 I will bring honor to your name in every generation. Therefore, the nations will praise you forever and ever.