When we read about the way Jesus was crushed for our sin, made weak for our sake, bled freely from myriad wounds, suffered a thorn-pierced brow and died an agonising death nailed to a cross, do you ever wonder just what that has to do with you and me? My answer is: Everything.
Because the incarnation of Christ reveals just how much God identifies with all of us in our broken human condition. Jesus’ sacrificial death holds huge significance for mankind. While taking human flesh and living like one of us, He was, is and ever more shall be the One and only Son of God.
Death could not hold Him captive. He arose from the grave in resurrection glory. Made heroes out of fearful disciples. Our history shifted to become His Story. During this season of Lent, God’s Holy Light can seem shielded at first, dimmed by the dark stain of our sin, not quite ready to shine in full wattage until we reach the end of the Easter story and Christ’s glorious resurrection to come.
But for those of us who live in the here and now reality of the resurrection with our faith rooted in Jesus and our lives as living testimony, whether we’re aware of it or not, a constant glow of grace lights up our hearts and floods our thirsty souls like the ever-flowing Living Water it actually is.
Shine like water
The Rock must be crushed
and spring red life, like rust
beneath an enormous forest
Let it blow cool purple
and light of I AM will
shine like water in us all
© joylenton
Jesus shines on in our hearts, radiating out of our broken cracks and crevices, leaking His love to the world at large. The fruit of Christ’s sacrifice is eternal life, hope, joy and peace, as grace gifts given to us when Holy Spirit takes up residence in our hearts. They are gifts we get to savour here and now and enjoy to the full in the life to come.
Deep-seeded peace
Our intuition has grown
fertile-fresh, sweet and greener
from the fruit of happy peace
breathing sanctuary to nature
through quiet night murmurs
of secret breeze rustle song, as
long and deep as seed would be
© joylenton
Poetry Joy 
Beautiful!
Thanks, Tara! I was concerned that this post might seem like I am getting on my Christian soapbox, but sometimes these things are too strong in me to ignore or water down. Have a blessed weekend, my friend! xo 💜
Dear Joy,
I am so glad to see your magnetic poetry back here again! The challenge of letting God bring His expression through a limited number of words, speaks to me of the way that He brings His message to us through each of our limited languages. What a sweet miracle gift, when you really think about it! This phrase speaks to me:
“and light of I AM will
shine like water in us all”
as I think of how Moses’ face was radiant when He had been in the Presence of God. And, now because of Jesus death and resurrection, His Spirit is dwelling like that in us! Oh miracle of God’s Grace. Blessings, love, and hugs to you! xoxo
Dear Bettie, it’s a joy to be engaging in magnetic poetry again! Although I didn’t anticipate the way my words would lend themselves to such a clear conviction of my faith in the text that surrounds the poetry. But we just have to go with what God gives us, even if it might be a bit different from how we usually
express ourselves in our writing. I normally opt to be a bit lighter on theology and heavier on the poetry here, though this offering suggests otherwise!
I also marvel at the way God “brings His message to us through each of our limited languages” and inspires us to write for the audience He already has in mind. The phrase that spoke to you happens to be my favourite one! I love how it led you to think of Moses having a radiant face after being in God’s Presence. How wonderful to think God can shine from us too! Blessings, love and hugs. xoxo 💜
So love these poems, Joy. Especially that first one speaks volumes in so few words. What love is this. So much more than we could ever fathom. So thankful Jesus stooped so so low to save us with His living water. Praise Him.
Anna, I think that haiku, magnetic poetry and all other forms of micropoetry are seeking to speak volumes in a condensed way. Your deep seeing into the meaning behind the few words being shared is not only an encouragement gift to me but also an indication of your own poetic soul. My heart says “Amen” to your closing words. This season of Lent makes us ponder such things with deeper intent. Blessings and love! xo 😊 💜