The Official Writing Challenge
BACK TO
CHALLENGE
MAIN
INSTRUCTIONS
how it works
submission rules
guidelines for
choosing a level
ENTRIES
submit your entry
read current entries
read past entries
challenge winners
Our Daily Devotional HERE
Place it on your site or
receive it daily by email.


TRUST JESUS TODAY

  • Share
  • how it works
  • Submit
Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Arches - Chaser - Search (07/03/25)
‘Tis not for the ninety and nine He goes
On a dangerous midnight search.
’Tis not for the ninety and nine who sit
In security safe in the church,
Whose paths are set in the well-fenced bounds
Of conventional Sunday suits,
While the songs of their souls sound dreadfully cold
To the biker in leathers and boots.

‘Tis not for the ninety and nine good folk
Who chapter and verse freely quote,
Nor those who appear so exactly sincere
As their Bible-text pencils take notes.
‘Tis not for the multitude stuck in the fold
That the Shepherd is mostly concerned –
But for wanderers lost in the soft ways of sin,
Jesus’ eye with compassion-light burns.

For the sinner perplexed by the pattern of life,
For the one from the hundred astray,
For the one who’s abandoned the standards of God,
Determined to go his own way,
For the one who has tasted the sweetness of sin,
And discovered how quick it decays –
’Twas for him that the Shepherd went out in the night
Of that sin-uttered “Crucify!” Day.

What love! What compassion! What limitless care
In His seeking for one who is lost!
Oh, what infinite pity must quicken His heart
To go out on that search at such cost!

And the organ plays softly,
The hymn board is fixed,
The offering taken for mortar and bricks,
And so few in the pew
For sinners will search,
For the Shepherd, like them,
They have shut in the church.


When a rather unconventional young man began coming to the morning service of a traditional chapel some years ago, I was struck with how easy it is for us in our churches to become self-contained and self-content.
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
Accept Jesus as Your Lord and Savior Right Now - CLICK HERE
JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.
This article has been read 171 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Terry R A Eissfeldt 
07/10/25
I sense a Robert Service rhythm to this rhyme. Love it.
Fully enjoyed this piece and it's timely message.
Blessings
Naoma Bird
07/10/25
I don't know a lot about poetry or using anagrams, but I see a clear message here to the church. Our unfriendly, cold, staunch appearances will surely chase them away.
Helen H-S
07/10/25
Appreciate your message! I really liked " for wanderers lost in the soft ways of sin,
Jesus’ eye with compassion-light burns."
Great way to use blank verse, not requiring a rhyme structure.

We have had people come off the street and they felt welcome at our church.
Noel Mitaxa 
07/11/25
Sobering and challenging.
Wilma Schlegel
07/12/25
This is a much needed reminder. May we never be staunch, self-centered, or self-contained. Thank you.
Rhonda Barber 
07/12/25
Oh, how I could write a novel in response to this beautifully written article. But to sum it up succinctly, if only this message could be shared with every church on the planet, and even if only some take note of it, we might see a true worldwide revival!
Arrah Atem-Tambe
07/13/25
Your poem is awesome! It drew me in immediately and carries a strong and compassionate, yet compelling message. Wonderful job!!!
Bonnie Bowden 
07/13/25
Strong message in this well written poem!
Margo McKenzie 
07/17/25
What a powerful message. He already came for the 99, and now they can look after each other. He's still seeking the lost and the marginalized. May we follow his example.