Captive to the Throne

        Captive to the Throne             ca 02/27/2000


All that went before this I would hastily give up
If only I may live in You.
That I may crucify the flesh
To die finally
And be dead to the world
Dead to my past
Dead to the patterns and their consequences
What is there to lose but only grief?  I repent.

Who is poor but the one who knows that the flesh is futile?
Dust. Ashes.
Save us, then, for we know we are dead.
Our faith is in you, Jesus.
Our response is, 
Our baptism into your death.

Then make us live in the protecting robe of your Spirit
Send your children also to lay their hands upon us and imprint your gifts
Teach us that we may be clean, and quiet and at rest.

There was one who poured wine and oil
On one left for dead.

We are cold
Cover us, Lord, in the seamless robe of Your righteousness
While you impart the eternal life to us--
For we will approach the King trembling.
As Esther approached her sovereign, having fasted for her death.

There was one who pointed the royal scepter at the trembling bride
The Kingdom followed, and its judgement was irrevocable
The one left for dead lived instead.