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At The Boat For Cypress
[after Acts 15:39]
"And gracious Barnabas, likewise . . .
went, in our sight, as westward swell'd the sail . . ."
---Handley C. G. Moule, Christianus, A Story Of Antioch
I do not understand this unforgiving
spirit in Brother Paul's strange attitude.
My nephew, Mark, did fail us---just a boy,
homesick, not thinking how this might annoy
us. But of that mistake, he has repented.
But nothing seems to satisfy Paul's mood,
and, sadly, he has not at all relented.
Forgiveness smoothes all obstacles to living
the Gospel in the fullness of its joy,
now that we are assured by our Salvation
that we shall not be lost to Hell's damnation.
Well, Mark and I will ship across the sea
to Cypress, to Paulus' estate, where we
have, from our brethren there, an invitation.
Starward
[jlc]
In Addition
Yet we also know that this turned out well, and that Paul and John Mark (cousin of Barnabus) reconciled. (Col. 4:10 & Phil. 23) I enjoyed this, and I wish that there were more people that wrote "historical fiction." Thanks for writing
Post Tenebras Spero Lucem
Thank you so very much for
Thank you so very much for your comment, which continues to resonate with me this morning. It is a clarion call to renew my concentration on the poems I feel called to write rather than those motivated by some other means. The others are important, but I set out, years ago, to be a Biblical poet, and I have been guilty of letting worldly cares interfere with that. But, until the eleventh hour is over, we all still have a chance to earn our penny. Thanks for the reminding me to check and recheck my priorities.
Seryddwr
Reply
I'm glad that I could be used as a tool to give you such a revelation; but be sure, if there is anything good thing in me, it's because of God first. The clay enjoys the compliment, but the potter molded the clay to begin with.
Post Tenebras Spero Lucem
Thank you, a thousand times
Thank you, a thousand times over, for that comment, especially the encouragement on the historical fiction. And yes, we do know it turned out well, but one has to wonder what might have turned out had Paul been a little more forgiving in the early days. But I think that account, and certain others we have, is to indicate that even those sainted people had their flaws, as we do. Before I became a Christian, I could hold a grudge at the level of a fine art. It still lingers in me, always a temptation, but one that twenty-two years since has helped to keep (but for a few slips) from rearing its ugly head. Thanks for your comment, one of the finest i have ever had.
Seryddwr