A great modern day example of this appreciation for poetry is still seen in several pastors, but most recently a post from Desiring Godâs website, A Pastor and His Poetry, reminded me of the importance poetry has in Godâs creation. Pastor John Piper has written many poems over the last 25 years, many inspired by contemplation and meditation over a particular scripture passage, and about a year ago I did the same thing as part of my ongoing studies.
Poem Text
The spirit penetrates the air
But futility still reigns supreme
It occupies the mind all of the day
Oblivious, save self, to the way.
Caught nothing but the sea
Chained by routine, still blind
Yielding yet unknowing
I follow, though I know not why.
These shackles I long to throw away
The breath I leap after
It becomes food for my brain
For the here, and ever after.
Love, love, love thee, the spirit perceives
Freed from the bondage of sin, just receive
No, no, no, I do not love thee I now know
Please help me to believe and I will go.
How is this man to live, how is this man to die
Wonder penetrates the air with grief
It matters not, you follow me, youâll see
Perfection now attainable, but only if you focus on me.
Through a few hours of meditation (worship) over John 21, âThe Spirit PhaneroĊ in Tiberiasâ became the tangible result of that worship.