Do I Dare?

Where the easy road falls away, a choice lies. Lord help me, at this crossroads I’ve stood too many times. Or maybe “too many” is actually the heaping blessing. A privilege to favored son, not scraps for a slave. Now comes to it: I can choose this as misfortune or an eclipse that allows You in contrast to shine.

The man born blind — “man”, not “child”, meaning decades spent in darkness. Flesh sees a tragedy which demands blaming while Jesus sees a triumph in the waiting. Has the sitting sightless been a wasted life or investment in a great longing now consummated? When the Savior makes the choice, everyone sees.

Do I dare, or do I wallow? Remember me — that you are still here! Remember those called by battle din to join in the warring! Remember even when by friend forsaken, how you were able to escape and stand again! It is not through great numbers and piled treasure that the One can set Himself apart. But rather by the holocaust sorting that leaves no doubt all else would succumb but God.

Do you cower now, saying this is misfortune and coveting those who seem to walk on hinds feet? No soul! Dare! Like those set in the furnace, to be rescued by the Son of Man or at least die in idolatry defiance. Do not allow the times to set your tempo! The crisis is the tune of the Prince of Fear. That song plays in every ear, but deeper is the symphony of the Song of Ages. Heard by fewer, but in overwhelming chorus, it joins Creations first note to crescendo at the End.

Forgive me! I have spent so many days regretting the road behind and ruing the steps ahead. Too many thinking myself discarded, even as I am held and cherished by your side. You do not want us disciples head down in despair at cross and tomb-side. But flaming eyes raised in pride that we walked with the King.