I Have Been

I have been a child and I was taught well

How to listen to read write behave my life was truly swell 

I have been a young adult brash unafraid 

I grew up a Roman a man well made

I have been a member of a great religious order 

The Jewish people whom the Lord watched over

My life one day though was changed drastically

But not before I had condoned a murder an innocent stoned horrifically 

I have been the judge of men’s life

Not proud as I now live their strife

Riding to Damascus to further my reputation 

The God of all the Heavens gave me a stern and severe invitation 

Blinded with scales and forced to see my lack of humanity 

Jesus though told me in that moment He cared and that He really loved me 

I have been a persecutor of the highest extreme 

It was my job to uphold the Jewish law and tradition 

So how could you love me Lord and even care

But I know now Your power and you’ve given me a scare

Yes Lord I will use the gifts you’ve given me

To serve amongst Your people tirelessly

For I have been Saul the Persecutor

And am now Paul the lowly servant of the Lord His word bearer

I come to offer hope through Jesus Christ

The man you put to death Who changed my hardened heart 

I come now to offer salvation 

With our Lord Jesus Christ Who abides in Heaven 

For I have been corrupt and am now cleansed 

Because I choose to have faith and have listened 

Do the same and you will find joy

With our Lord forever eternally 

Amen

JFFIII 1/25/24