Through the Bible with Poetry: Obadiah
Jon’s thoughts: While reading Obadiah and studying its history I came across the hymn, How Sweet, How Heavenly, by Joseph Swain (1761-1796). My poem kind of follows in the hymn’s path. In the hymn Swain says what I wanted to say about the images in Obadiah far better than I ever could. Enjoy them both.
Obadiah
Standing At The Gate
“People, I just want to say, can’t we all get along?
Can’t we all get along?” -Rodney King
This famous quote from Rodney King,
Is more than just a modern thing.
Violence done to one another,
Blinds us to our sister; our brother.
We stand aloof when others carrie off their wealth,
And boast when misfortune brings ruin to their health.
We rejoice while standing at the gate,
Our hearts filled with fear and hate.
Do not enter there on the day of their distress.
Do not enter there and walk in darkness.
Love your brother and sister and do what is right.
Stand at the crossroads. Live in the Light.
How Sweet, How Heavenly by Joseph Swain
How sweet, how heav’nly is the sight,
When those that love the Lord
In one another’s peace delight,
And thus fulfill His Word.
When each can feel each brother’s sigh,
And with him bear a part;
When sorrow flows from eye to eye,
And joy from heart to heart.
When free from envy, scorn and pride,
Our wishes all above,
Each can his brother’s failings hide,
And show a brother’s love.
When love, in one delightful stream
Thro’ every bosom flows;
And union sweet, and dear esteem,
In every action glows.
Love is a golden chain that binds
The happy souls above,
And he’s an heir of heaven who finds
His bosom glow with love.
Jon Bannon
Image by Duy Pham
© Jon Bannon 2021