The Meeting on the Shore | Previous Challenge Entry

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TITLE: The Meeting on the Shore | Previous Challenge Entry
By Dave Walker
12/09/15
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They say we're full of energy
They say we're full of steam
We get things done no matter what
We're loud, we're brash, we scream.

We're called the Sons of Thunder
'Cos we rumble and we roar
Our tempers flare with every dare
We're volatile, for sure.

We help Dad with his business
He's into catching fish
We mend the nets, repair the boat
Fulfil his every wish.

For he's the thunder, we're his sons
We dare not disobey
Or else he'll shout and stamp and curse
That's how he gets his way.

And that's the way we've learned from him
Our nature's fire and steam
And yet.... at night when all is still
I sit outside and dream.

I see the moon across the lake
The myriad stars above
And deep inside this brawling man
A small boy longs for love.

I know that there's a God up there
He's infinite, that's clear
Yet what's He really like inside
What is it He holds dear?

Can He love an angry man
Who pouts and shouts and swears?
Does He see my longings?
Does He really care?

Today I'm at my father's nets
My brother's next to me
Who is this man approaching
By the Sea of Galilee?

He's stopped. He's looking in my eyes
I'm naked in His gaze
It seems my whole life's clear to him
He knows my angry ways.

And yet... there's lovelight in His eyes
He doesn't seem to care
That I'm a rough and loudmouthed man
Who'll loudly curse and swear.

He really likes me, cares for me
I see it in His smile
The way He talks is strong, yet kind
Devoid of any guile.

I want this man to stay with me
I like Him more and more
Perhaps He'll help me with the nets
Stand by me on the shore.

He makes as if He wants to go
"Don't go." I cry, "Not yet.
I recognise the love I've sought
Although we've hardly met."

He smiles at me as if He likes
The anger, fire and steam.
Or is He looking deep inside
And sees the boy who dreams?

"You want me to go fishing, John?
But come with me and then
Instead of catching ocean fish
I'll let you fish for men."

I glance behind and see my dad
He glares impatiently
The contrast 'twixt the steam and love
Is plain for me to see.

I choose the love and leave my nets
I feel a joy so free
I'll go with Jesus, Lord and Friend
I'll let Him tutor me.

I feel the anger and the steam
Melt as I'm by His side
This son of thunder's yen for love
Is being satisfied.

The Lord of heav'n has chosen me
From long before my birth
To be "The One Whom Jesus Loved"
To truly know my worth.

It's not in shouting, being rude
And brash, to get my way
It is in loving, being loved
At home, at work, at play.

And just as He has chosen me
He'll meet you where you are
He'll take your anger and your hurt
And show you how to care.

For if the Son of Thunder
Can become "The One He loves"
Then surely He can take your heart
And make it like a dove's.

He's asking you to leave your nets
And look into His eyes
And see that He delights in you
And wants to heal your sighs.

When tempted to ignore His call
And stay to huff and steam
Know, as with me, He sees your soul
With all its secret dreams.

He'll take you from a churning heart
That kicks and heaves and shoves
And soon, like me you will declare
"I am 'The One He Loves'."

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