Gethsemane:
Garden Of Prayer

When Jesus was finished with speaking His words,
The hour was nearing, a time was reserved.
An appointment to meet and a cup there to drink,
So Jesus got going with no time to blink.
The breezes were cooling. The sun fled away.
Under moonlight they traveled with little to say.The shadows of olive trees shaded the ground
of the slopes of the valley. The trickling sound
Of the stream just ahead brought a peace to the air.
Anticipation faithfully threatened despair.
When they’d reach their next stop over, what would they find?
Prior warnings of destiny swirl in their minds.They went onward crossing the river named Kidron,
and into a garden, in dark after even,
named Gethsemane, with disciples in tow.
Though He told them what's coming, they thought it not so.“Strike the shepherd,” He said, “and the sheep will go scatter,”
A line from the prophets to transpire after.
But Peter replied with devotion and flare,
"Though all others may fall I will always be there,
Even if I must die I will never reject."Then Jesus dissected His zealous projection
"The rooster will crow as you often have seen,
You'll deny me three times before the rooster crows three"
Still Peter insisted, “No! Never with me!”
And the others joined in with that same loyalty.Then the timing had come, and his purpose was due.
This same hour, aforetime, ordained to come true.
He became sore amazed, almost dazed from the weight.
All the sins of the world had begun to translate
Onto him. All the wrath began taking it's toll.
Then he said "Unto death is my sorrowful soul"
And to "terry ye, watch with me, this, is your role."Then He stepped a few steps and he fell on His face.
Often prayer was His target and such was the case.
On the ground and astounded, beginning to pray:
"Oh Abba, my Father, please hear me this day:
"All impossible things are still things unto you.
Everything that's a thing is a thing you can do."
If this cup that I have can go passing me by
then remove it far from me as fast as can fly.
But if I must drink it then that shall come true.
Not my will but thy will, Father will as You do.He then went from His praying to where Peter was laying,
and found him asleep, so then Jesus went saying,
“Simon? You’re asleep? Could you not watch for one hour?
Watch and pray that you don't fall at temptation's power.
While the Spirit is ready to do what I speak;
For the Spirit is strong but the flesh, it is weak. “Then again, He withdrew, to a stone's throw away.
Where He kneeled to the ground as He started to pray.
"O my Father" He said, "If it be in Your will,
Let this cup pass from me, and another fulfill.
But nevertheless, if this ending must come,
Then I drink. Not my will but thy will shall be done. “
Then an angel appeared so to strengthen the Son.And returning again, His disciples were sleep
For their eyes were quite heavy, and flesh was quite weak.
Then awaking to Him they knew not what to say
Then to them said our LORD,” why just sleep time away?
Why just sleep? Why just snore? Now return to your station
Arise, so to pray, lest ye enter temptation”.He departs once again for a third time to pray.
He repeats the same words with more earnestness laid.
Then came agony, travesty, angst and great gloom.
Till He sweat out His blood as our sins became wounds.
While the wrath crushed His soul, to make us wrath-immune.
By His stripes we are healed. For our lives, blood is spilled.
So to justify many as Father has willed,
And for love of your soul, all of this is fulfilled.He arose from His prayers with a third round complete.
His disciples were sleep from the sorrow and grief.
They were needing relief while their eyelids hung low.
But this time He said "Sleep, take your rest, soon I go.
It is time, it has come, Son of Man is betrayed
to the hands of the sinners that He came to save.

Gethsemane:
Garden Of Betrayal

A quiet had fell on the grass and the trees.
For a moment in time there was still and serene.
Then the silence was dashed by a murmuring horde
bearing lanterns to search, armed with bludgeons and swords.Every flame from each torch flickers fast through the air.
Through the lights you can see that Judas was there.
The chief priests sent in guards to assure apprehension
of one who kept preaching of love and redemption.The betrayer stepped forward as part of the plan.
Only Judas knew clearly which one was the man.
He calls "Rabbi" with hope of disguising his aims.
He prepares for the signal of who they should claim.He leans in with a kiss placed on Jesus' cheek
To alert to the guards of the one that they seek.
“You betray Son of Man with a kiss?” Jesus asked.
“Hurry up with it then. Carry on with your task.”
With no sign of remorse Judas slinks to the side
Having finished assisting this turning of tides.The disciples were shocked by the sudden suspense.
They then asked “Master, how should we mount a defense?”
In the blink of an eye without time left to think
you could hear Peter’s sword with a shing and a clink.
Then a swoosh and a shrill and an uncanny sound
Of an ear falling off and then splatting the ground.The air thickened with tension for that man’s position.
He’s named Malchus and serves as the High Priest’s assistant
This attack very likely affords a death sentence.
Then Jesus said “STOP THIS” responding that instant.“Put your sword in its place” spoken firmly with grace
While returning the ear up to Malchus’ face.
“If you live by the sword then by sword you will fall ”
Can I not seek my Father with Angels on Call?
But if legions of Angels descend in full force
How could scripture fulfillment keep running its course?”Jesus turned to the crowd “have you come here with blades
And with clubs, spears and staves. Why are you so afraid?”
Of a robber? I taught in your courts every day
Not so much as an elbow was raised in my way.
In reality darkness is flexing its power
Therefore now you’re emboldened to act in this hour.”
His words hung in the air woven thick as a quilt
Falling firmly on fears and unspoken guilt.He continued on “Who have you come here to find?”
“One called Jesus of Nazareth” someone replied.
“I am He” Jesus said and not a soul was prepared
The earth quaked, the ground shaking, they fell over scared.Though confused while they stumbled they returned to their feet.
Jesus said once again to them “Whom do you seek?”
With attempts to regain their composure and pride
“One called Jesus of Nazareth” someone replied.
“I am He” Jesus said and his power released
That most ancient of sound permeated the ground
Every knee buckled down and all confidence ceased.
Barely able to cope they return to their feet.The disciples were shook as they scatter in dread.
Jesus stands undeterred while abandonment spreads.
He told them “strike the shepherd the sheep would disperse”
But would also lose none, per the chapter and verse.Guards began seizing Jesus to carry him off
A young man followed close in a burial cloth
He was not their before and the guards were amazed
Since he dressed like he’d stood up and walked out a graveSo the Guards tried to nab this mystery man
But could only grab cloth with how quickly he ran.
They recenter their focus with Jesus in hand
As they claim their success in their shadowy plan

Jesus on Trial:
The Sanhedrin & Peter

They led Jesus along with a gaggle of Guards.
Due process and justice were not in the cards.
It was early and dark on those paving stone streets.
The chief priests and the scribes rush to hastily meet.
The high Priest lay in wait to see Jesus arrive.
Joseph Ben Caiaphas was High Priest to preside
Over proving of fault to put Jesus to death
Through their huffing and puffing of lies with each breath.Peter’s heart was a storm raging fierce on the ocean.
Tossed about like a boat between dread and devotion.
The other disciple followed close to the Priest.
He helped Peter get into the yard, at the least.
Peter followed intently but just from afar
Keeping warm at a fire while the coals simply char.The high priest questioned Jesus on what he had taught.
Thinking here'd be the proving of guilt that he sought.
"When I taught, it was public and open to view,
in the temple and synagogues, open to you.
My disciples can speak for themselves if you ask."
Replied Jesus, with putting the priest to the task.Then a SMACK echoed loud as a guard slaps his face
"Is that how you answer the priest in this place?"
Quips the guard. Jesus questions this out of place move
"If there's evil I've spoken then show it and prove.
"If no evil is proven then why was I pummeled?"
For the moment the guards give him no further trouble.A person nearby noticed Peter around.
"Weren't you with this Jesus out there in the town?"
"I know not what you mean, nor do I know the man"
Peter slinks away, quick, finding elsewhere to stand.Then another assistant continues insisting:
"Jesus from Nazareth, I am sure you're with him."
Peter swore he had zero connection with Jesus.
But this gave the bystanders just that much more reasonSo they pressed once again, Peter caught in a bind.
While Peter began raising His voice a third time
A familiar sound sends a chill down his spine:
"Cock-a-doo!" goes the rooster. It fries Peter's nerves.
He begins to remember as memories surge.
Jesus said this would happen with words crystal clear.
So Peter breaks down crying the most bitter of tears.At that time they attempt to find Jesus at fault.
They bring witnesses droning their falseness assaults.
One came forth and he said that "We heard this man's phrase:
I'll destroy this here temple that man's hands have made,
And build again, without hands, raised in three days"
But with this nothing sticks so they switch up their aim.
His own words should provide solid proof of their claims.The high priest was now mad. “Have you nothing to say?
About all of the claims brought against you this day?
What is this testimony the people surmise?”
But his silence was louder than all of their lies."Tell us plain, do you claim to be Son of the Blessed?
Are you Christ, the messiah, as scripture professes?”
"You have said it." Replies Jesus, matching his gaze.
"But I say unto you all that after these days
You will see Son of Man seated right next to Power
To return on the clouds at a surprising hour."The high priest was enraged by this bold choice of words.
He tears at his robes for the sounds he just heard.
"He speaks blasphemy!" Gaspingly, says the high priest.
"Do we still need these witnesses? What do you think?"
The council agreed: "He is Worthy of Death"
Then they spat in his face, to his fate he is left.
They blindfolded him, mocked him and struck him with blows.
Saying "Prophesy Christ, who swung? Surely thou knows?"

Jesus on Trial: Pilate & Judas

As the dawn became day on Jerusalem's streets
And the sprawl of sun rays showed the night was complete.
The Sanhedrin convened to decide what was left
for completing their plot to put Jesus to death.
Once they bound him they left from the High priest's estate
To the Governor's building to settle his fate.
Pontius Pilate was filling this role at that time.
To this Roman they need to prove Jesus's crimes.
To be clean for the Feast they refused to go in
If they did then the Passover they'd not attend.So they beckoned for Pilate to meet them outside
And receive the accused they presumed to provide.
Having stepped out to hear their assignment of blame
He asks plainly: "What offense of this man do you claim?"
They deflected, "If guilt were not plainly the case,
we would never have brought Him to stand in this place."
"Judge this man by yourselves. You have laws of your own"
His frustration was audibly set in his tone.
"We can't have any man put to death without Rome"
Which fulfills by what death Jesus makes his way home.Then Judas Iscariot saw what took place.
He was moved to despair with remorse on his face.
His imprudence imparted an ending quite grim.
There’s an innocent man that his hands helped condemn.
He resolved to return every piece he had earned
Since his conscience now squirmed for the friend he had burned.The sounds were distinct of the shuffles and clinks
Which he knew all to well, every coin with its plink.
Then a WHUFF cuts the air from the sound of the purse
That he chucked with a grunt catapulted by hurt.
Then a thud on the dust covered paving stone street.
People pause as they’re hearing coins roll and go plink.
“I have sinned in betrayal of innocent blood.”
“Meaning what to us?” Silence rushed in like a flood.
“That’s for you to deal with”; Judas broken and stunned.Judas walked a few paces. A line had been crossed.
It was too much to bear. It seems all had been lost.
He acquired a rope and selected a tree.
He supposed that this way was the way it must be.
Whether rope or the branch, one had ripped and he dropped.
And his corpse was torn through as it smashed on a rock.The money exchanged to put Jesus to death,
Thirty pieces of silver remained unaddressed.
‘The hire of blood is unfit for the temple.”
Said the priest as if this was a case that was simple.
So they purchased a field with the spurious funds
where they bury their foreigners; Not their own sons.
It was first “Potter’s Field” then redubbed “Field of Blood.”
For the funds and possibly where Judas went thud.
Now, more words of the Lord by the prophets come true.
“And they weighed out my wage: thirty pieces of silver”
Carried out without pause, hesitation or filter.We resume to the room of the stone judgment hall.
The chief priests are refusing to enter at all.
Pontius Pilate proceeds from outside where it’s bright
To the shadowy hall spliced with splinters of light.
The echoes of sandals flip flop in with tension
Settings guards on alert as they pop to attention.
Jesus notices Pilate while bruised but composed.
Pilate calls out to Jesus, confused but still bold.“Are you king of the Jews?” Incredulity flows.
Both contempt and wonderment fuse in his tone.
“Are you asking for you or because you were told?”
Unfazed, Jesus’ face doesn’t fumble or fold.
“Am I Jew?” Pilate quips. “You’re own chief priests are stunned
And Have brought you to me, so now what have you done?”
“My kingdom is not of this world or this life.
If it was then my servants would rise up and fight.
That I not be delivered to Jewish control
But my Kingdom is not yet. The clock has not tolled.”“So you are a king then?” He impatiently probes.
Jesus answers him calmly: “You say I’m a king.
For this cause I was born and I entered the scene:
To bear witness to truth. It is clear to the point
For those of the truth Because they hear my voice.”
“What is truth?” Pilate glibly remarks in annoyance.

Jesus On Trial: Herod,
Barrabas & The Scourging

While no fault was detected by Pilate at first,
The Chief Priest and the elders insist He's the worst.
Bewildered at Jesus's slack to react
While realizing the pharisees lacking of facts.
Pilate prods once again "Don't you hear their harsh claims?"
But his silence again renders Pilate amazed.
In the clamor they mention he's "Galilean".
To which Pilate recalls is in Herod's region.On to Herod he passes this curious case.
While Herod had wanted to see what await.
Herod hoped he could see any miracle worked.
So he questioned him, pressing him, probing for quirks.
Not a spark or a word or a twitch of a lip.
Unamused by this, Herod then tightened his grip.The chief priests were there also to strongly protest.
With his Guards Herod mocked at his distinguished guest.
Herod had him adorned in a dyed purple robe
As a message to Pilate that He was a joke.
Beforehand, these two rulers were not on the mend
But surprisingly, now, over this they made friends.By now much of Jerusalem gathered around.
Their murmurs converge to an uneasy sound.
Pilate gestures to summon the rulers and priests
and the people to figure out whom they’d release.“You’ve brought me this man whom you understand
went and wrought on the people such dastardly plans.
I have lifted my hand so to search and to seek
out the truth. As it stands now your case here is weak.
I discovered his clan hails from Herod district.
When to Herod I sent him to find any dent,
Neither Herod detected real legal dissent.
I find nothing condemning this man here to death
Zero reason that merits his ceasing of breath.
For this reason I’ll scourge him and queue for release
It’s on you all to figure out what equals peace.”On the feast day a norm was return of a captive.
Pilot pressed to choose Jesus but their ears were not active.
“Free Barabas!!” they roared. The chief priests were proactive
With goading the crowd toward who they should ask for.Now Barabas was one for the stirring of dramas,
Like rebellion and murder, true criminal saga.
Pilate’s wife intervened, sending Pilate a message
Regarding this “Jesus”. He stalls to address it.
“Leave that man there alone, have nothing to do
With that man from my dream that has brought me the blues.”
The unraveling crowd with no respite for silence
Now devolved to a mob was a problem for Pilate.Pilate calls out again, “What then shall I do
With this Jesus, called Christ, also ‘King of the Jews’?”
With a roar came the answer, the crowd surging tight,
“Crucify him! We want him removed from our sight!”“For what reason? What treason? What’s really the claim?”
But they shouted much louder, still chanting the same.
“Crucify! Crucify!” Hanging thick in the air
Resonating the limestone walls in the square.Seeing riot was near and no peace would reside
Pilate signaled for water to be brought to his side.
He washed both his hands as the crowd strained to see,
“I am clean of his blood; there’s no blame here for me.”“All his blood be on us and our children as well!”
In near unison loudly their voices had swelled.
So Barabbas was freed and the case was now closed.
They delivered up Jesus to reap what they sowed.Pilate, feigning no choice, sent the man to be scourged
In the view of the public as mockeries surge.
Set up in advance was a pillar or post
Specifically meant for this whipping with ropes.
Many ropes filled with spurs of metal or stone
With a handle for dismantling skin, flesh and bone.They progress the event by stripping him bare
Making sure all his skin is exposed to the air.
They begin to attach his restraints to the pillar
With his rear facing out as the moment draws nearer
The flesh on his back was compressed by the fact
That his wrist were affixed overhead on a tack.
The prepares for the hits the ensure bring the max
Effectiveness packed in each set of attacks.SHWISH!! FWACK!! And.. SHWISH!! FWACK!! As they alternate strikes.
The hooks can get stuck so they tug at the spikes
SHWISH!! FWACK!! And.. SHWISH!! FWACK!! Blood oozes to the Ground.
Visceral echoes ring out with hide-rending sounds.
A mind bending sight; snapping veins, showing bone.
One-hundred percent of men scourged don’t last long.Next The soldiers took Jesus to move him away
from the square to the hall where the garrison stayed.
Since they stripped Jesus clothing they place on a robe
Of scarlet or purple to mock and to probe.
They grab up some thorns to reshape as a crown
And the place on his head as the force it in down.
With a Reed placed in hand the old mocking ensues
The say “Hail, everyone, this is King of the Jews”
The spit in his face and strike with the Reed
For public disgracing they sharply succeed.Presenting again Pilate speaks to the horde
“Behold Jesus! I find no evil accord.”
But no change in the Priest or the crowds old refrain
“CRUCIFY HIM!” The chanted demand still remains.You’d have me crucify this your king” Pilate reams,
“We’ve no king but of Caesar” the priests nearly sing.
Pilate figures no winning or changing their minds
So he folds. Crucifixion begins to unwind.

Golgotha:
The Road to Crucifixion

The sun blazed overhead beaming glare on the roads
of the old, hallowed city while carnage unfolds.
In the air hung the odors of sweat, blood and dust
among sounds of the crowds bringing hate and disgust.
From each crevasse and terrace the insults would rain
as they watched with a mix of intrigue and disdain.
In their midst, Jesus staggered and stumbled his course.
His flesh battered and bloodied and covered with sores.
The romans required he carry through town
the rough splintered wood beams that were weighing him down.He was tired and bruised, he’d not eaten or slept,
The cross, heavy and huge, brought him torture each step.
Doesn’t look like good news, then the crack of a crash,
as His knees buckled down and the cross hit the path.
He can’t move from the spot and the soldiers don’t care;
they just wave to the crowd “Oh! Hey you over there!”
“We command you help carry this cross as we say.
Bring your hands, hurry up we must get on our way.”
The man's name was Simon, just minding his day
On a trip from Cyrene, now caught in this fray.
They continue ahead as the sorrow unfolds
on this paving stone path and most dreadful of roads.From the edge of the city outside of the gates
Where they execute criminals, sealing their fate
to the “Place of a Scull” called Golgatha. They stop
At three holes in the ground where three Crosses would drop.
Pontius Pilate commissioned a sign to be used
saying "Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews"
to be placed overhead on the cross they would use.
The chief priests urged rewriting, but Pilate refused.
“What is written, I’ve written." He wasn’t amused.
They prepared bitter wine mixed with myrrh to numb pain
Jesus tasted it but passed, strong-arming the strain.Soon the crowds gathered round just to clamor and wail.
There the soldiers stood ready with hammer and nails.
Then they laid Jesus down without mercy or care
stretching both arms across the rough timber laid bare.With a WHOOSH swung the hammer to thud with a drone,
sending lightning and fire though flesh and through bone.
With iron and malice, they pierced through His wrists,
Agonizingly driving the spikes with each twist.Every strike feeling like being wrenched and filleted.
But no curse crossed his lips, no resistance displayed.
They set foot upon foot and affixed the last spike
And “Swoosh! Clink!” in a blink they had nailed him down tight.Then they hoisted the cross and aimed at the ground
Where it dropped in the slot with a guttural sound.
With a force that could clearly make blood vessels snap
While he hung by his wrists, His lungs threatened collapse.
Then they heartlessly parted the garments he’d worn
And cast lots for His tunic so not to be torn.
Near this point Jesus prayed, every breath a to-do:
Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.
And then “THUD!” and a “THUD!” to his left and his right.
The two thieves had now joined in this terminal plight.So he’s numbered with felons as the scripture predicts
The first thief takes notice of their predicament.
And proceeds to blaspheme “if You’re Son of the Lord,
Save yourself and save us” while the other retorts:
“Do you not fear the Lord? It is just that we get
This reward for our deeds but this man’s innocent.
Please remember me Lord when your Kingdom reigns in”
“You’ll be with me in paradise before this day ends;”
Replied Jesus to the one who could comprehend.
From the sixth hour onward, a darkness set in
As if nature was mourning the course of events.
In the crowd Jesus saw the beloved disciple.
He was weak but could speak a few words that were vital
To his mother he said “Woman, behold your son”
To the disciple he said “Behold your mother”
From that day forward they took care of each other.As the sky darkened over the place of the skull,
Once the weight of the world's sin had taken its toll,
Jesus lifted up his eyes to the heavens above,
Crying out to the Father with unending love.
"Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?" he cried,
"Why have You forsaken me?” while onlookers chide.
The crowds misunderstood and interpreted wrong
“He cries out to Elijah, let’s leave him alone
So to see if Elijiah will come get him down”.Meanwhile we hear Jesus whisper out a faint sound
“I Thirst” he says, strained. So attached to a stick
A sponge dipped in sour wine they extend to his lips.
He refuses to drink. Then he says “It is finished”
Then he gives up the ghost as his life is extinguished.At that point the earth shook with a thunderous sound
And the veil in the temple was torn to the ground.
A centurion gazed with a newfound respect,
"Truly this was God's Son," he began to reflect.
Many faithful stood watching, their hearts filled with grief,
Some suspecting the end of their hope and belief.

Chapter 7:
O Wretched Man

You know, I am sure. (those who know of the law.)
That the law holds a man as he lives, without flaw.
A woman is bound to her husband for life.
Until that man dies, then she regains her rights.
Let's not split any hairs, if she's married right now,
And then joins to another, she's broken her vows.
We call her "adulteress" if hubby yet lives.
But if he's kicked the can, then it's live and let live.
The law that was binding upon her as wife
(under which, if adultery, she'd pay with her life)
doesn't hold any more. If she marries again,
No charge of adultery, she's free to begin.
It's the same with you brethren, you're dead to the law
through the body of Jesus, The Lamb without flaw.
So now you can marry one raised from the dead.
So that you can bear fruit unto GOD now instead.
When we were in our flesh (by the strength of the law)
That ol' sin did it's motions to hem and to haw.
It worked in our bodies from right to the left,
in all sorts of badness and fruit unto death.But now it has changed. To the law you're deceased.
It's hold upon you has now ended it's lease.
And now being free You must choose your adherence
as not to the letter but newness of spirit.
However what say we? Does the law equal sin?
GOD forbid! I say nay! No! There never has been.
By the law I have learned what is sin or is not.
Before "Thou shalt not covet." I knew not the thought.
But then sin took the chance, since I knew the command,
to grow in my soul all the "covet" it can.
Without the command or the law sin is dead.
I was in this state once with no sin in my head.
But the law came and sin revived. I died instead.
I knew the command was ordained unto life
But for me it was death and unendingly strife.
By this reason: Sin took such delightful occasion
and by the commandment drove me through the pavement.
By deception, I reckon, and life was the payment.
Lets set the case strait, that the law is quite holy.
The command is Good. It is Right and Just only.
So this, a good thing, became death unto me?
GOD forbid! That is nonsense. May such never be.
Rather Sin to be known it is sin absolute,
went and hijacked the good thing by force that is brute.
Sin worked in me death with that good as it's tools.
That it may be known that sin is great and it rules.
Since the law, it is spiritual, this much is known.
But I'm carnal and sold under sin. I am gone.
If I label things bad well then that's what I do
What I label as good oft does not make it through.
Even things that I hate will drop in for a date.
it boggles my thinking. What sense does this make?
Now given my labeling things I do "bad",
I consent that the law is quite good. And I'm glad.
Because now it is clear as if separate from I,
It is Sin that's at work as it dwells deep inside.
No good dwells in me; as to say, in my flesh.
For how to do good?... I find nothing left
I identify evil, but that still I do.
I yearn for the good but it's just out of view.
So a third law I find. It seems like contradiction.
This flops my desire to honor conviction.
For GOD's law is sweet unto my inner man.
But this other law rages a whole other plan.
In the law of my mind I desire the LORD.
But this law in my flesh plays a different chord.
This law seeks to enslave me to the law of sin,
whose home in my body, existing within.
How wretched I am! And who do I have left
to deliver me out from this body of death?
I thank GOD through our LORD Jesus Christ, who is Right.
Though my body serve sin, with my mind I serve Christ.

Chapter 8:
What Charge Could Be Laid

For this reason, in Jesus, there's no condemnation
for we who dodge flesh and lay spiritual paces.
The Law which decrees saying "sin leads to death"
Lays no claim on the blameless, it's power has left.
For the Spirit of life operating in Christ
Has freed us, though sinners, from paying death's price.Since the Law of the Torah was weakened by flesh,
in similar flesh came the Son who is blessed.
He condemned through His flesh all the sin of our mess,
so that righteousness wins as fulfilled in our chests.
So that righteousness rules as poured out by His graces
for we who dodge flesh and walk spiritual paces.Because all who are flesh walkers mind fleshy things.
But Spiritual pacers mind things of the King.
To be carnally minded is equal to dead.
But the Spiritual mindset is living instead.
The mind that is carnal is hostile towards GOD.
With GOD's Law, such a mind has refused to be shod.
But there's more! Such a mind cannot fit in His law.
So no pleasing the LORD. It's a permanent flaw.But O! Blessed Christian, you're not of this sort!
You are not of the flesh, that won't play on your courts.
No, you're of His Spirit indwelling your soul.
If that Spirit's not there, you are not in His fold.So if Christ be in you, you're indwelt by the son:
(Though your body is dead by the sins you have done)
Then for righteousness sake the Spirit is life
(having huge implications about how we fight).
If the Spirit that raised Jesus Christ from the grave,
is the Spirit that's in you, then you'll get the same.
Which means that your body will raise with a form
just as Christ had a body that ate as a norm.For this reason, o saints, we owe nothing to flesh.
Our debt is to walk in the Spirit. No less.
If we live like the flesh, we must die the same way.
Since all that is flesh must be rendered it's pay.But if spiritually powered we'll hem the flesh up,
Then eternal life fills our inheritance cup.
For all led by the Spirit of GOD are His sons.
Not a Spirit of Fear: "One mistake and you're done".
But the Spirit adopts us. We're Children of One.
Now we cry "Abba", "Father", our lives have begun.The Spirit Himself bears us witness within.
We are Children of GOD whom the Spirit lives in.
And if Children then heirs. Even coheirs with Christ.
And co-glorified, If we join in His fight.I therefore conclude that our sufferings here
have comparative value that stacks up quite clear.
All our sufferings on earth are not even real
when compared to the glory that's to be revealed
Even all of creation so eagerly waits
For the rule of the children of GOD to instate.The creation was cursed as against it's own will.
By the LORD for the hope that He planned to reveal.
Though creation is bound now it shall be released.
Now we're steeped in corruption but then shall be peaceThe same liberty we as GOD's sons will have known,
The creation will too, of this blessing be shown
Even though at the present creation still groans.
not only creation so moans as if moot,
We too are here groaning, the Spirit's first fruits,
in patience awaiting adoption to toot,
and redemption; The donning of glorified suits.We are saved by this hope. Not a hope that is seen.
For what hope is a hope where our sight intervenes?
But when hope is not seen, it's a hope that is strong.
And patience steps in so to hold us along.And the Spirit helps too as we take it in stride.
As we hope against hope, with our wounds gaping wide.
We forget or don't know what or how we should pray.
With unspeakable prayers He so prays in our place.
The same one that searches out hearts knows the mind
of the Spirit that prays for the Saints all the time
in accord with the will of our GOD He so prays
that such praying is perfect in all of it's ways.So we know that he works all together for good
for all of us loving him right as we should,
that are called for His purpose whatever that be.
This I know, it will fit. Because He foreknew me.All he so knew He chose to have formed like his Son
so His son would have brothers and not be just one.
And there's more! Those foreknown, He predestinated
the predestined he called, (also blessed, elated),
Those he called he so justified, (no one can touch)
And the just will be glorified, He loves this much.How can we reply? O what all could we say?
If GOD be for us who could be against us!
Our price was His son, and this He freely gave.
So why wouldn't the road way to all things be paved?What accusation or what charge could be laid
against GOD's elect, for whom Christ's life has paid?
Through GOD we are just, so what else can be said?
It was Christ who so died and then rose from the dead
to Father's right hand. He intercedes in our stead.What shall separate us from the love that's from Christ?
Shall cold nights? Or rough fights? Or war knights? or some blight?
Maybe tribulation? Neither. It is written:
For your sake we are killed all the day. We are sheep
to the slaughter. But nay! Notwithstanding this heap,
We're more than conquerors through Him loving so deep.I'm convinced! This is true! I’m not changing a thing!
Neither death nor by life nor by demonic sting,
nor angel, nor angle, nor powers galore,
or a creature could now (with success) have us torn
from the love that's from GOD in Christ Jesus our LORD.

Chapter 9:
Not All Born of Israel

With the Spirit as witness I speak truth in Christ.
With a clearness of conscience I share my heart’s plight.
What bothers me deeply and weighs on my soul
is my brothers of Israel. What fate will unfold?
For my brothers in flesh, if my own disconnection
from Christ would suffice to save them I’d accept it.
Since to them came the law and promised adoption
Through covenant blessings and glory-filled options
Whose fathers are Abraham, Isaac and Jacob
By whom God calls himself. Surely not a small label.
Through whose flesh Christ appeared and will do so again,
whom is God blessed overall forever, amen.I in no wise imply that the Word suffers lack
But not all born of Israel are Israel in fact.
Nor does status as seed born of Abraham work
If that alone stands as one’s glory and worthInstead it is written “through Isaac they’re called”
Who can claim to be seed and be valid at all.
This is written to say: If for sake of the flesh
that being children of flesh is a failing the test
Of assignment as children of GOD. But the blessed
are those born of the promise of GOD and no less.That promise was that Sara shall have a son
And Rebecca conceived by Isaac that same one.
Before Jacob or Esau could breathe they're first breaths
Or do any good or perform any thefts
To Rebecca was spoken “the elder will serve
The younger” (in that day that sounded absurd)
But this saying so stood as a show of the LORD’s
Assignment of purpose before they were born
It was later revealed through a prophet that stated:
That “Jacob I’ve loved and Esau I've hated”What shall we say then? Shall we call this unfairness?
Or should we take on a broader awareness?
The LORD said to Moses (describing His views)
I choose to have mercy on whom I so choose
My compassion I give in accord with My will
Not by earnest request nor according to skill.For the scripture told Pharaoh “the reason you’re here:
So the World may observe of my power quite clear
And throughout the whole world my name spreads far and near"
Therefore he has mercy on whoever He’ll choose
So some feel they win while there’re some that will loseTo this you may say or might think in your minds,
“Why does GOD then point out all the fault that He finds?
What among all-the-things has resisted His will?”
But to that I say “Nope”, that’s a slippery hill.Instead who are you where that question has weight?
Can the Pot tell the Potter “why is this my state?”
Is it not up to him who puts work into clay
That this one will be gold and that one will be grey?What if rather than swiftily God took His time
With the laying of Justice and the righting of crimes
And gave patience to persons always out of line
(even though their destruction is firmly assigned).And along the same lines for his vessels of mercy
For whom through His work he prepared to be worthy
He decides to bestow with His riches of Glory
On the nations of Gentiles and not the Jews only
All of this He can do since He owns His own story.Through Hosea the prophet He spoke and He said:
I will call them my people which were none of mine
And Her not called beloved will be loved for all time.
And it shall come to pass that to them who were told:
None of you are my people or not of my fold:
It will be said unto them unto all who will listen:
As it’s written that You are the Living God’s Children.And Isaiah has said and the word has portrayed:
“Though Israel be many, a remnant is saved.
He will finish the work and in righteousness stop
It short in the earth” so that nothing is dropped
For if He did not we would look just the same
As Gomorrah and Sodom in brimstone and shame.As Isaiah has said and the word has portrayed:
“Though Israel be many, a remnant is saved.
He will finish the work and in righteousness stop
It short in the earth” so that nothing is dropped
For if He did not we would look just the same
As Gomorrah and Sodom in brimstone and shame.What then can we say? Those who did not pursue
after righteousness (Gentiles, whose blood is non-Jew)
have obtained unto righteousness. This is by way
of that righteousness reckoned to persons by faith.But the Jews who sought righteousness as through the law
all failed since that path is intrinsically flawed.
They sought after righteousness earned through their deeds
which was not mixed with faith so would never succeed.As the written word reads and the scripture proclaims:
"In Zion a stumbling stone will be laid
Which will be as a rock of offense and of blame
But believing on Him will not end in shame"

Chapter 10:
Voice & Heart

In my heart what hits deep and lays hold of my prayers
Is that Israel be saved. For I am very aware
that they’re zealous for God. I know this first hand.
But a knowledge gap sits where zealousness stands.
For not knowing the righteousness God calls His own
they establish a righteousness made all alone.The result is resisting God’s gift to make right
by fulfilling the Law through the person of Christ
for all who believe. Now concerning the Law
as for Righteousness, there's a small part that gives pause.
The writer that penned out the Law that God gave
Included a statement that is sharp and quite grave.It was Moses who stated: "Whoever lays claim
to be Righteous by Law bets his life by the same.
One's adherence decides if that one lives or dies".
But the righteousness Faith contains speaks on this wise:Do not say in your heart "Who'll to heaven ascend?"
(As to cause the return of the Christ to descend)
or "Who shall dive deep to go search the abyss?"
As if Christ's resurrection was false and amiss.But what then does this righteousness born out of faith
conform into words and then pour out to say?
The Word is quite near in your mouth and in heart,
The Gospel you heard, shared by us from the start.And this Gospel is such that
If you speak with your voice that this Jesus is Lord
Without reservation and on one accord
If you hold in your heart and believe that the Christ
(Which is Jesus) was raised from the dead by God’s might,
then salvation is yours. Whether as Jew or as greek.
There no difference to make with just one Lord to seek.This one Lord is the Lord of all Lording there is.
Thank goodness His goodness he so richly gives
To all who will call on his glorious name.
For "Whoever will call on the Lord will be saved"However a problem is quickly conceived..
How can they call on one they've never believed?
And how can they believe if their ears have not heard?
And hear what if there's no one preaching the word?And what comes of preaching unless they are sent?
It is written that Those who proclaim about peace
Have beautiful feet who bring news of good things
But sadly so many just cover their ears.
The good news is unwelcome, they choose not to hear
So Isaiah wrote Lord who believed our report?
So faith comes by hearing.This hearing of sorts
Comes by hearing the word that's of Jesus our LordSo I ask, did they hear it? Oh Yes, they sure did.
As is Written: “they’re voice has gone out to world’s end”
Ok. Different question: Did they comprehend?In regards to that point is where Moses chimed in:
“I will make you feel jealous of souls of no nation;”
Anger you through a people with no education.”In addition, as written, Isaiah speaks boldly:
“I was found by a people not seeking to know me;”
“Where no one asked of me I revealed myself closely”
Then like turning to speak he proclaims unto Israel
“All the day I extend out my hands to this people
Of rebellion who disobey without equal.”

Chapter 11
A Restoring in Store

So I ask, has the Lord left his people behind?
Not a chance! Nor do we have a need to rewind.
I am too, a descendent of Abraham, through
My Benjamite blood is distinctly Hebrew.No rejection occurred by the Lord with His people
Who He knew from before. Have you heard in the word
where Elijah claims Israel clearly offends:
"Your prophets they slay and your alters they rend
Only I still remain and they're seeking my end."
And the Lord gave reply to Elijah's sore wail:
"I've reserved seven thousand men who have not failed
A set lot who have not bowed their knee unto Ba'al.As to match with this trail now a remnant exists
That's selected by grace, not by birth or checklists
nor by works. Now check this: If by works then no grace
But if grace then all works have no place in this case.
Which brings light to the state of what Israel has chased.On its face, Israel seems to have failed to acquire
what believers have found, though they strongly desired.
It is written "The Lord set a Spirit of sleep
So their ears could not hear and their eyes darkened deep"
David wrote in a Psalm: "Let their table be as
a slipknot and a trap as a form of payback.
Lets they eyes just see black, let their burdens attack
And forever weigh down and belabor their backs"I then ask did their stumble mean losing their share?
God forbid! But what's real is their stumble prepared
for salvation to move such that Gentiles relish
for a time which would also make Israel jealous.
Which may hit as surprising, but realizing
If their fall is disguise for the gentile rising
in the riches of God's loving graces and glory,
Then how their reinstatement would that much more be?And surely I am speaking to gentiles so hear.
In so much as apostle of gentiles I'm clear.
I embolden my office but not to be selfish
But in hopes to provoke my kinfolk to be jealous .
So that some overcome and be saved and be zealous.
Rejection of them sparks reconciling the earth?
Then restoring their state must mean life and rebirth!If a sample of dough is found to be holy
Then so is the whole, not just that part only
If the root is found holy this flows to the branches
Some branches were broken and you have been patched in.
Don't take this as reason to boast of advantage
The root supports you without your help or actionA stray thought may intrude: "So the natural branches
detached for my adding" that's true but too brief.
They were pruned for refusing to loose unbelief.
If the natural branches could suffer such fate
Then each patch that's been added should fear for their sake.
If they met removal for turning their backs
And then you match their pattern? Then you get the axe!
He is the Lord that is kind and the Lord that's severe
He is grave with the fallen but kind to the near
And you will stay near if you walk in this kindness
If they loose unbelief then severe is rewinded
The natural branches repatched to the place
As was promised through prophets, His gospel of Grace.And I can't overstate this mechanic of Grace
That I say to deflect all exalting of place
The Jews have refused and dug in their heels
A hardening partially working its ills.
I say partially since it is just 'till the time
Of the fullness of Gentile numbers arrives
Then salvation will come to Israel in whole
As was written by prophets in scrolls we behold:
"From Zion the savior will come to erase
From Jacob ungodliness, sin and disgrace
Through the Covenant that this Savior will make"For the sake of the Gospel is Israel hostile
But take heed that this creed hasn't go on and lost you
For the sake of His word to the their fathers before
Israel is beloved as a people adored.
There's never a void and his word never chokes
His gifts and his calling will not be revokedJust as you disobeyed but now standing in grace
In a place Israel left through failing at faith
Their instatement though latent will meet restoration
Through the mercy you've firstly been firmly graced with.
Because God has concluded that all disobeyed
So that all may have mercyO the richness and depth of God's wisdom and knowledge
His unsearchable Judgements and ways are rock solid
Who has known of His mind that they council the Lord?
Or put him in their debt when he could not afford?
For from him, through & to him do all things extend
So to Him be the glory, forever, Amen!

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