“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear…” (1 John 4:18)

alone he sits under a sheltering tree,

glazed eyes stare blankly into space.

a hoodie hides his pallid face.  

he tries his best not to notice me.

an inner battle – should I near, 

or should I simply pass him by?

my earthly flesh debating “Why?

why choose this man to test your fear?”

then a picture: a rotted sinner hastening

towards The Almighty’s judgement seat;

a tragic end via His gavel’s beat,

to herald an everlasting chastening. 

so, out of love, my words depart; 

a perfect love – yet, not my own,

but Christ’s good work, and this alone;

to change to flesh a stony heart.

i move away, my task now rendered, 

with no obligations to embrace;

his soul contingent on God’s grace – 

His will alone, for His wrath suspended.

no sin exists Christ cannot atone,

no reprobate beyond His reach,

yet no willing saint He cannot teach

to find for Him, and point them home!

“Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few…” (Matt 9:37).

© craig godfrey

01/06/21