“Take up your sword” I heard a prophet say,
“The justice of the Lord we shall defend.”
I take up arms and ready for the day
When, by my word or deed, I may portend
The coming wrath of God upon my foe;
The righteous indignation for the sin
Of those who sing of praise in empty show
And suffer not the suffering to come in.
And yet, am I not daily so to blame?
I take the task of God alone: to judge.
And so do slander His most holy name;
Forgiveness showing, never to begrudge.
This sword shall be a plowshare or as dross.
My savior says to me, “Take up my cross.”
(August 27, 2020)
