The Earth is Weeping

“For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; because the creation itself will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.  For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now.  Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body.  For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees?  But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.”  -Romans 8:19-25

The earth is weeping.

Groaning with perpetuated pains,

Maimed with sorrows that were borne

With the first step of sin.

The earth is weeping.

A gnashing of brutality unleashed;

Ravaged by war and disease.

We claim to be united, and yet,

Divided, we are falling.

The earth is weeping…

How long has it been 

Since the Lamb was shed?
Here we remain, laboring,

Waiting

For the fullness of Redemption

To reign freely in our hearts and land.

Fear has driven us into hiding

So that a virus will not threaten our security.

Old wounds caused by hatred has driven us

To the streets, brother against brother.

More things can be listed;

More offenses can be named.

God, You know them all.

The weight produces a silence 

Too strong to utter.

Only the sound of a mutter…

A groan can be heard.

May I stand with those who have had to stand;

To mourn with those who have mourned;

To learn to pray with those who have waited

For Your promises so long?

Will a hand be extended

So that the declaration of Jesus’ love

For all humanity can be actualized?

Perhaps 2020 will look less like 1820,

And more like

The dream of a King

Who only iterated the heart's cry

Of the Heavenly throne.

God, forgive us when we have worshipped You,

But failed to see Your design in the eyes

Of another color.

God, forgive us when we have failed to speak

In the hours of injustice.

God, forgive us when we have become rash,

Defending our honor and denying the patience

In which to hear humility’s other.

God, forgive us when we have failed to empathize,

Mocking one’s concern for the future as a note 

Of a lack of faith.

God, forgive us when we have forced society

To choose sides based on the tactic of an invisible foe.

God, forgive us when we have justified our rebellion

As we have witnessed the execution 

Of another’s disobedience.

God, forgive us when we have exchanged

Cultural perception for theological debate.

The earth is weeping,

Anticipating the sons and daughters

Of Heaven to bear the image of Christ

As salt and light

To the dead and destitute.

And yet...with all that we are faced…

You still remain, and You have never changed.

The cross bears the blood and nail scars -

A witness to the chasm of hell’s appetite satisfied by God’s breath.

Where is it’s sting?  Where is it’s victory?

We are tempted to believe our groans 

Prove evidence enough the daily chaos

Makes the tearing of the veil null and void.

Nonetheless, that is further from the truth.

For though the world weeps, it groans.

And though it groans from the pain of sin,

It groans as in labor before the birth of new life.

Creation waits with expectation and hope

The salvation purchased will transform

Our hearts into a new realization.

Our patience tempts to wane,

However, Your promises are sustained.

Our finite cannot comprehend

The fruition of Truth beyond our own time.

You are faithful.

You are Lord.

There will be joy for our mourning.

There will be beauty for our ashes.

Exchanging yokes of burden

For an offering of praise.

The name of Jesus forever will reign!

Lord, call our names.

Draw us near;

Beckon us to seek Your face.

May we humble ourselves.

Forgive us our wrongs,

And may repentance have its good work in us.

Heal our land.

But most of all, Lord God,

Heal our souls.