This week, we will examine poems that address various aspects of our Christian conduct, lifestyle, and faith. I may or may not attach notes as I did last week, but each poem will come with a scripture verse. As I share this poem with you, I am reminded of an old song by Clint Brown: ‘I Wanna Be More Like You, Jesus.’
Sometimes we sing these songs because of the sweet melody, but most times, we do not understand or take seriously what we are asking for. Being more like Jesus would require returning to our first love, believing again, dying daily, washing our “vessels”, renewing our minds, letting go of many inordinate desires still lurking in our souls; it would mean making peace with someone, letting go of the past and living a fruitful life (Galatians 5:23 and 24).
I pray that you and I will shed the old, leave the past behind and begin anew. (Read Colossians 3:5-17)
Anew
Dear Lord,
My old skin cannot hold anything new
Tear the old away and clothe me anew
I discard the old me, Lord make me new
I clothe my heart and mind with truth;
A heart that’s cleansed to hold the new drink
The old me cannot hold the new
The old wine is sour
Take the old skin, give me a new one
Lord, pour into me fresh wine so all who drink would taste life and want more.
Let the new skin hold up the new wine for all to drink.
I empty it, empty myself so you can pour into me yourself.
Today I am delivered from the old nature
I am filled anew,
Clothed with a new heart and mind, amen.
© Enobong O’wunmi.
