Cultivate Righteousness

Lectionary Reading

1 Samuel 12:19–26
Psalm 47
Revelation 22:10–21
John 17:20–26

Tithe Poem

Worship by Remembrance | Revelation 22

Watch them one by one go down below
the waters. Watch them rise of a different kind.
What them file one by one to eat
the fruit of something holier than they
and take it in, be nourished, and proceed
up through the gates so carved and beautiful
they seem drawn up by the weight of glory.

Surprised, I find myself among their ranks.
Despite myself He grasps me and I join
to wash my clothes and eat the fruit and walk,
parading unto glory I cannot own, yet own.

I live now by this vision day by day,
participating as fully as I can, driven on
by power far different than my own,
yet always meant for me to hold.
The Spirit pulls me deeper still
in remembrance of the good, resisting ill,
and repenting once again with the refrain:
Cleanse me! Cleanse me! Forgive again!

Stay awake and repent again.
Worship God. He shall amend.