Salvation's Story
I once was groping in deepest night,
My eyes were shut; I shunned the light. So I was lost and wandering far; I knew not what directions are. Then I was stumbling over my way; I fell, then got up from where I lay. Thus I fell at the edge of the sea, But were its waters liberty? I strove to swim, although I was blind; What light I had I left behind. Now I went east, then I turned west; I lost my way, and I transgressed. I struggled on, with faltering strength; My strokes were painful, they ceased at length; I sank into the great abyss, Approaching hell—but what is this? This is the light that I have fought! This is the map I burned as naught! This is the crutch I tried to lose! This is the boat I would not use! But what can lamps do under the sea? And now what good are maps to me? Are crutches made for those who drown? To those who sink can boats come down? And yet I know I cannot arise, For I am not strong, or willing, or wise. Mourn my life, bewail my death, And follow me not, all you with breath! I shall not see another dawn, Or watch the stars, for life is gone. I will not eat or breathe anymore; My corpse will rot on the ocean's floor. My spirit's fate is even worse; It rides to hell in death's sad hearse, Where there it burns, though not consumed, And none can seal its burning wound. If only I had not strayed so much! And followed the map, and used the crutch! And lit the light—but what have I found That hangs from heaven to touch the ground? A rope, cast down from heaven to sea, But surely it is not meant for me! For I have sinned and bear my blame, Far be it from God to clear my name! Yet in his name, the One who died, Who on the cross I crucified, I hear I may take hold of grace, And God will draw me to his face. But surely it cannot be so! Can God pardon me here below? Pressed down with sins, in darkness lost, And can God truly bear the cost? Eternal hell is at my feet; How can justice and mercy meet? Yet him I maimed, the Man I killed, Has all God's purposes fulfilled! Why then do I not grasp the cord, That pulls me up unto the Lord? I cannot take it—I will not use this! I myself will rise to bliss! Get thee hence, O taunting rope! For I am now my only hope! I will save my wicked soul! I will fill its empty hole! My God, my God, what have I said? I have struck you, who am dead! I spoke it from my foolish mind; Heed me not, for I am blind! O rope, O cord, do not obey And go back empty, but with me stay! I ask, dear God, is it for me, For me, though I reviled thee? Would the Holy One condescend To pardon, bless, restore, and mend? Surely this thing cannot be true; I will never come to you! But I will fall down in the lake Which you dug for judgment's sake! There forever I will be, Dying always in that sea. My God, my God, this foolish heart! Why do I shun what you impart? Now salvation to me draws near, “Flee from wrath and do not fear!” But that it says I do not do, I sink to Sheol, and fear of you. Though I reach, it is too far; Guide me, you who gracious are! Now God removes my heart of stone; In darkness I am not alone! He gives to me a heart that feels, And all my wounds he gladly heals! O God, do but reach out to save, And I will be your willing slave, And praise you for your awesome grace, And guide my brothers to your face! Now help me to reach out and touch The rope I cursed and fought so much. Bend my fingers and help me cling And do draw up, O gracious King. I ask this humbly, bowed on my face In dust I beg you: hasten in grace. And now that I am made to live All to you, O God, I give. Since I have tightly caught the cord I begin my praises of you, O Lord: When I was blind and wandered in sin You did, in mercy, a plan begin-- That I should wander a little more, And sink beneath the water’s store. Then you would cast down from earth A line of life for my rebirth. O Lord, my God, this blessed air! To think that I sank down there! And now that you have rescued me, And drawn me up from hell’s hot sea, Now that I can breathe again, My life’s story I will pen. Since you have dispelled my night, Salvation’s story I will write. Salvation's Story; Copyright © 2013 by Caleb |
Scriptural allusions:
Ezekiel 36:26 |
"The only fight that is lost is that which we give up." ~Dietrich Bonhoeffer