For one, there's some parts that are more musical I guess and lines that require singing instead of just speaking, and singing is one of my favorite ways to worship God (next to doing so through poetry). The combination of these two mediums really reminds me of how incredible God is and I absolutely love being able to praise Him in both ways at the same time.
I also love narratives. On the Road to Damascus tells a story, and there is such power in that for the listener and speaker both. Every time I read or speak this piece I can get something new out of it, and I pray that anyone else who reads or hears it has similar experiences. This particular narrative is also an open door into my own life. Although it may not be completely obvious at first, this piece delves into some of my darkest closets and shines a light on my past. But, like any good "God story", it flips those ugly things upside down into a beautiful testimony of how Jesus is still changing lives.
Something I also love, and believe is one of the most important things when it comes to sharing Christ, is the ability to relate. We all are or have been Sauls at some point in our lives. However, Jesus has the ability (AND desire) to change your name (or circumstance, or mind, or plan, or life for that matter). Thank God for that.
The idea for this poem first came up after hearing a testimony. An amazing man I've had the privilege to get to know and love told his story about how he had endured a very difficult upbringing and lifestyle and had to suffer the consequences of the choices he and the people around him made. Then, he told about how Jesus came to him "right there in the kitchen" and changed his life forever. The mentions he made in his story about ridiculing Christians and trying to convince them that their faith was ridiculous reminded me of Saul on the road to Damascus, especially the way Jesus made such a powerful appearance in such an everyday place. I'd also like to note that a majority of his story was told through a poem he wrote; the awesomeness of that is self explanatory. So this poem is dedicated to the changer of lives, Jesus Christ, and to the vessel he chose to use for a very special period in my life, my youth pastor Jarrod Scott.
When it comes to Reflections I tend to try and explain the poem itself, sometimes very tediously line by line, but I think it would be more advantageous to leave that to the Holy Spirit at this point. You and I both know He's way better at it than I am, anyway.
Child, open your eyes, we'll sing a new song.
Lift your hands to the skies; we'll sing a new song,
Sing a new song.
For me personally, I know it's time for me to really open my eyes and stop allowing the world to distract me. In the grand scheme of things, most of what I'm worrying about is not as big of a deal as I'm making it out to be.
What's standing in the way of you and Jesus? I can guarantee He's not letting anything get in His way of you. He wants you to be close to Him. Is there something clouding your vision- relationships, money, stress, anger, unforgiveness, anxiety, worry, material things? Set them down for a minute and really breathe. Christ has a new tune He wants to teach you, and I promise it's sweeter than anything you've been singing up to this point.
Worship God with everything you have today. I'm speaking to myself here, too. I want to sing that new song. I want to breathe that new hope and comfort. With arms high and heart abandoned, let's stand in awe of our Creator, and praise Him for being willing to strike us blind when we aren't looking in the right direction.
Read "On the Road to Damascus"
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.
Psalm 19:14
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