Chapter 12 A place to enjoy, but disobedience

prayer in extremities

They settled in the place he chose, –

the Holy-Maker-of-the-throne
explained he must now judge, remove
those living there who would not own
his lordship, spurning righteousness,
their lives becoming worse and worse,
– the sphere’s stewards must realise
they could not live just any way,
refusing to submit and pray,
despising justice, choosing lies,
and pleasure, not responsibility,
abusing others’ needs, security:

to such, he shows, their day arrives,
a judgement comes to all such lives.

But, –
his covenant ones did not themselves
continue to obey as taught, and heed in holy fear;
although receiving kindness, care,
instruction clear; –
no excuses for neglecting,
presuming on his love,
rejecting.

So – the gracious Provider some favours withdrew;
their weakness they felt, his chastisement they knew;
they realised their folly, and cried out in haste
that he would please come, help, and halt all the waste
from conquering fearful incursions
of neighbouring clans and surrounding foe-nations.

He strengthened their leaders, and helped them resist.
How long would they then, in obedience persist?

They asked for a king like other close nations,
but did not consider the full implications,
and vulnerability, pride-limitations
of popular leaders, unless they indeed
were serving the people, and truly would lead
in giving submission to the Monarch supreme.
King-leaders were given to teach and remind:
their Maker, their King soon would come, – would he find
trust and obedience? He’s coming to save,
but will look for respect to the laws that he gave.