June 4, 2009

  • Matthew 16:16-20

     Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ the Son of the living God."Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven."

    Gatekeeper


     

    Mighty man, I have made you this way.

    Fearless warrior, I fashioned your hands with clay.

    Bestowed wisdom and honor, you crown me with joy.

    I have chosen a winner—a respected envoy.

     

    I place in your hands—Keys, numbered one, two.  

    Known to many, but truly valued by few.  

    Open the locked places. Stand guard at the gate.

    Evaluate many. Cut off the late.

     

    Only prompt, attentive can hold keys this esteemed.

    Words, spoken in lavish, do not make one redeemed.

    I want to sup and laugh with the stricken in heart.

    Weeping births delight. True sadness the soul restarts.

     

    You are my chosen. Brush off your sandals and enter.

    Walk in my garden. The tree of life stands center.

    Rest in it’s shade for you have life everlasting.

    Gaze at the sunrise. Break from your fasting.

     

    I tell you the truth, your soul resides in my hands.

    Warmth and sincerity are painted throughout your land.

    Sticks and stones never. Gold I give to you.

    The best I can offer to a heart enraptured and true.

     

    Leap in the life garden, with keys strapped around your neck.

    Sunbathe in my glory on the river of life’s crystal deck.

    Fervent and honest, you treated my name.

    You have fanned many fires into blazing flames.

     

    I will send up smoke signals—a banner of praise.

    I delight in my beloved. On me, she fixates her gaze!

     

    Kimberly Willingham