06 Aug 2010 Faith Disciples

The Spirit Phaneroō in Tiberias

Poetry is an interesting form of literature to me because of how extensively the writers of scripture used poetry to.

Poetry is an interesting form of literature to me because of how extensively the writers of scripture used poetry to express God's instructions, thoughts, and proclamations. I take no claim to being well read in poetry, quite the opposite, but if it was important to the writers of the Old and New Testament, and ultimately to God, as an inspired form of literature, then it isn't one believers should totally ignore.

Poetry as a Form of Worship

If you had mentioned poetry to me 10 years ago I may have gone screaming for ESPN, but when examined in the heart of the hundreds of poems in scripture, the literary form as a whole begins to take new light. This is probably one of the greatest lost forms of literature in the 21st century church (by lost I mean non-existent). It is hard for poetry to compete with our modern day worship styles, but it is certainly a form of worship, no matter how seldom it is practiced today.

A great modern day example of this appreciation for poetry is still seen in several pastors, but most recently a post from Desiring God's website, A Pastor and His Poetry, reminded me of the importance poetry has in God's 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.

Through a few hours of meditation (worship) over John 21, "The Spirit Phaneroō in Tiberias" became the tangible result of that worship.

The Spirit Phaneroō in Tiberias

The spirit penetrates the airBut futility still reigns supremeIt occupies the mind all of the dayOblivious, save self, to the way. Caught nothing but the seaChained by routine, still blindYielding yet unknowingI follow, though I know not why. These shackles I long to throw awayThe breath I leap afterIt becomes food for my brainFor the here, and ever after. Love, love, love thee, the spirit perceivesFreed from the bondage of sin, just receiveNo, no, no, I do not love thee I now knowPlease help me to believe and I will go. How is this man to live, how is this man to dieWonder penetrates the air with griefIt matters not, you follow me, you’ll seePerfection now attainable, but only if you focus on me.