(08/28/2013) Numberless

     Alarmed that in future years the March on Washington (1963) will only be known as a secular event, today, I felt forced to share my personal testimony as someone who is a living witness, and was then a participant.  Choosing a simple, yet challenging rhyme scheme (ABBA), I prepared a piece (below) I hoped could engage all its readers at multiple levels, and convey the full range of feeling and ideas that were ignited within me.  Every aspect of life in America was expressed and touched upon through the March.  The Movement embraced action to address the entire spectrum of private and public, secular and spiritual issues.  Included were access to schools, acknowledging and correcting abuses of legitimate authority, activism as ones religious duty, affirming our Constitution and acknowledging the Declaration of Independence, capitalism, competition, divine governance, economic development, ecumenicalism, equal opportunity, ethnic diversity, faith and public service, ending segregation, federal covenants, freedom riders, freedom fighters, labor organizing, poverty, prayer, racial equality, rights to lawful assembly, self-defense, self determination, states’ rights, the nature of leadership, the continuing cycles of revolution, threats of apostasy, heresy and spiritual confusion, the Ten Commandments and voter registration, to name a few.  Your comments are welcome.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Hear another parable:  There was a certain householder, which planted a vineyard, and hedged it round about, and digged a winepress in it, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country:  And when the time of the fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the husbandmen, that they might receive the fruits of it.  And the husbandmen took his servants, and beat one, and killed another, and stoned another.  Again, he sent other servants more than the first:  and they did unto them likewise.  But last of all he sent unto them his son, saying, They will reverence my son.  But when the husbandmen saw the son, they said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and let us seize on his inheritance.  And they caught him, and cast him out of the vineyard, and slew him.  When the lord therefore of the vineyard cometh, what will he do unto those husbandmen?  They say unto him, He will miserably destroy those wicked men, and will let out his vineyard unto other husbandmen, which shall render him the fruits in their seasons.  Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner:  this is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?  Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.  And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken:  but on whosoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.  (Matthew 21:  33-44, King James Version)

                                                    NUMBERLESS

[A poem recalling a special experience of growth, peace, protest, and prophecy written for The 50th Anniversary of the March On Washington, D. C. that was led by Reverend, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., August 28, 1963]
 

Because by effort men must secure
Their name for honor, for being wise
Blood and nobility justifies
Until the force of law is mature

Trial by ordeal and duel to the death
say only righteousness can prevail
And divinity will never fail
The innocent ones to their last breath

Ten paces, turn, then fire at will
The dawn will crack and blast as blood flows
Or swords are crossed, en garde, with blade blows
Mighty to cleave, split, thrust, or to kill

Instead of the executioner
A solemn undertaker attends
No satisfaction until life ends
Not his duty bodies to inter

The witness to a violent act
Declaring manliness took the field
Or foolhardiness that would not yield
Only cowards die shot in the back

The unseen attacker, a viper
In robes of rank malice stained with shame
Forfeits his life, his own good name
To strike as a serpent, a sniper

True records must show, although he died
The affair of honor King engaged
Was not that of one simply outraged
Because of hate, racism and pride

Like those denying resurrection
Already there are those who say
No prophet from GOD appeared that day
Rejecting all divine correction

The pioneers writing history
Must bear an anointing heaven sent
To discern any sacred event
And testify with integrity

The spirit of truth like justice filled
The hearts and minds of those who obeyed
A chanting Jericho march displayed
Warriors submitted as GOD willed

And when the cry of the dream was cast
Like a gauntlet before our nation
Blind eyes were healed through revelation
And believers became free at last

I was there, I fell and rose with King
Just seventeen, daring to be brave
And refusing the chain of a slave
Evidence that death has lost its sting

Adults often miss what children see
When flesh and spirit both face the test
Declaring GOD has been manifest
The plain imprint of divinity

I could see the future we desired
The very things being talked about
Were even then being carried out
Trust in our Maker was required

Numberless the evening shadows fall
Yet, we look to the young to be bold
To repel the wolves that stalk the fold
Willing to destroy and ravage all

To turn pasture into killing ground
By the law of the claw and slaughter
The duty of each son and daughter
Watch and pray to hear the shepherd’s sound

Sheep achieve no more than sheep will dare
Despite the limits set upon youth
They are capable of knowing truth
Even when the foe is foul, unfair

We still face men who attack as mobs
Prejudice and discrimination
Ignorance with alienation
We still need housing, we still need jobs

As then our humanity must shine
Nonviolence and the law must rule
The ballot box and court room the tool
Our Avenger, He who is divine

Grace is not a gift for those who flee
Who endorse despair and will not stand
It is for those who march through the land
Whose weapon will be humility

The good fight of faith is only won
When a life of service is complete
Having never stooped to lie and cheat
We will overcome by deeds well done








©Michael Andrew Williams, 2013.  All rights reserved.

(07/03/2013) Theoretical Forgiveness?

Understanding conversion and forgiveness are the focus, today, along with more on divine judgment against Jericho.  A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Matt” (Level 1 with 1 point, a member since July 29, 2011) posted the following:

So theoretically I could go on a killing spree and still end up in heaven?

Do I understand this correctly? I could theoretically go on a killing spree in a children's hospital killing by the dozens. And just before the moment I die I "accept" Jesus into my heart I will still go to heaven? That's f****d up.

THE BATTLE AXE:  Jericho Justified? (07/02/2013)—  (5)  The fighting forces of Israel were not established as a conquering army after the models of Alexander the Great, Babylon, Persia or Rome.  Just as in America today, lawful evictions are carried out by the United States Marshal and his deputies, and the Executioner continues to serve as a legitimate officer of our courts, Israel was to be an instrument of GOD in judgment to effect the transfer of real property, and to carry out as executioner the destruction of incorrigible sinners who were persisting in defiance and rebellion against GOD.  Without the sacred devices and mechanisms provided from GOD (e.g., awe, conscience, discernment, divine law, humility), created beings and living creatures are incapable of correctly identifying, resisting or eliminating sin.  They fail to grasp that even the most innocent-looking crimes against GOD (such as building a tower at Babel) have cosmic consequences, and send ripples of conflict, death and decay throughout the fullness of Creation.  There is no such thing as harmless sin, sin that has no destructive impact, that does not oppose the continued existence of GOD, and that does not spread impotence and infirmity among created beings.  (6)  Divine condemnation and destruction for the lives of men, women, children, and animals (all living) occur as non-negotiable and unchanging sacred events necessary for balance, completeness, purity and stability of Creation that are governed by divine law, operations of Spirit, and eternal purpose.  Those who charge GOD with cruelty, genocide, and indifference to human suffering usually are themselves unaware, and incapable of establishing and maintaining the full array of responsibilities that pertain to judgment.  Included are calculating negligence, correction, indictment, investigation, justice, justification, reconciliation, resolution, restoration and sentencing.  In their anger, bitterness, confusion, defiance, and fear such critics are biased and perverse in judging GOD, and they deny divine accountability for maintenance of all that is.  See Exodus 15:  25-26, Deuteronomy 7:  14-16, 1st Corinthians 15:  50-57, 2nd Timothy 3:  1-5 and Romans 6:  12-14, King James Version.

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.  For scarcely for a righteous man will one die:  yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.  But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.  Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.  For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.  And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.  (Romans 5:  6-11, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  When Does Judgment Begin? (06/27/2013); Our Present Comfort? (06/28/2013); Struggles? (05/11/2013); Through Much Tribulation (05/12/2013); Does Everyone Go To Heaven? (10/28/2012); Magick and Prayer? (10/29/2012); Chances for Change (09/15/2012); Yet If I Judge (09/05/2012); Father Forgive (09/06/2012); Forgiveness? (12/07/2010)

Matt, here are some points that may help you understand Christian belief more correctly:

(1)  The operations of GOD described as divine judgment are profound, and go beyond simple condemnation and punishment of created beings and living creatures for disobedience of sacred law.  Judgment pertains to the eternal existence of divinity, and further allows the living to access, discover and recognize the otherwise invisible presence and process of divine substance.  The make-up of GOD is spirit matter that is made known as spiritual consciousness.  Included are faith, forgiveness, holiness, joy, longsuffering, love, righteousness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.

(2)  Through the ministry of Jesus Christ, a believer comes into a new existence before GOD through what may seem like an instantaneous change.  However, that sacred event occurs on the basis of continuous work that began before Creation.  In the same way mankind had no active part or choice in Creation, mankind may only respond to redemption and salvation.

(3)  Conversion as an intellectual choice or mental operation rarely happens upon one’s death-bed, in the final seconds before collision of two automobiles, or in the moments police are firing to subdue a gunman.  Many lose their composure by the approach and nearness of death; their feelings and thoughts are caught up in confusion and upheaval.  Repentance, rebirth, and declaration of Christ are only through the operation of the imparted, indwelling spirit of GOD (we say, the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth, the Spirit of Prophecy), for the judgment is an acknowledgment of the unchanging aspects within being and person.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example,  (4)  That the unchanging Sovereign over life would embrace mankind through gradual change (we say, growth), compassion, mercy, and possibility is far from “f****d up”.   Almighty GOD, who has put forth life, draws life to himself, rather than death.  By applying and displaying humility, maturity, respect, and their own divine content, believers achieve a closer relationship, a greater understanding, and a more intimate experience of His amazing grace.)   Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(07/02/2013) Jericho Justified?

The divine creation of the armies of Israel, the separating judgment against Jericho, and more on deliverance and interventions by GOD are topics, today.  The “Yahoo! Answers” writer using ID “Edgar” (Level 1 with 113 points, a member since July 1, 2013) posted the following:


How was the Walls of Jericho justified?

How did God let Moses take down a city with innocent civilians after the 40- year wait? How could this be even be justified? War in many beliefs are seen as immoral and barbaric. Could’nt they just go wander off the desert somewhere else and find it with another route to the Promised Land? No need to harm others.

Additional Details

We don’t know what even occurred in the supposed land of Jericho? They just said no entry and that’s it. Look at immigration. Many Christians support this form of entry and you go against a border?

So war is acceptable in terms of favoritism? Sounds like Lord of the Rings to me.


THE BATTLE AXE:  GOD Intervenes? (07/01/2013)—When speaking of GOD, believers repeatedly seek to acknowledge the authority, exalted majesty and sovereign power of the Creator as well as what are supposed to be the supernatural aspects of divinity.  Included may be such features as foreknowledge, immortality, omnipresence, and omniscience.  However, the actual process of GOD within the life of believers appears through features of their routine, daily living.   Those who choose baptism must internalize and continually respond to spirit matter from GOD (we say, divine DNA, or the imparted, indwelling Spirit).  A person may say they have been prevented from self-destruction and wickedness (saved or stopped) because their attitudes, awareness, behavior, and conduct are altered through sacred knowledge; exchange, interaction and sharing within a covenant community; unselfish giving and service; and the acquisition of eternal goals and purposes.  See Romans 6:  3-6, Ephesians 2:  10 and Colossians 3:  1-25, KJV.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  When the LORD thy God shall bring thee into the land whither thou goest to possess it, and hath cast out many nations before thee, the Hittites, and the Girgashites, and the Amorites, and the Canaanites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, seven nations greater and mightier than thou;  And when the LORD thy God shall deliver them before thee; thou shalt smite them, and utterly destroy them; thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor shew mercy unto them:  Neither shalt thou make marriages with them; thy daughter thou shalt not give unto his son, nor his daughter shalt thou take unto thy son.  For they will turn away thy son from following me, that they may serve other gods: so will the anger of the LORD be kindled against you, and destroy thee suddenly.  But thus shall ye deal with them; ye shall destroy their altars, and break down their images, and cut down their groves, and burn their graven images with fire.  For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God:  the LORD thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth.  The LORD did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all people:  But because the LORD loved you, and because he would keep the oath which he had sworn unto your fathers, hath the LORD brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you out of the house of bondmen, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt.  Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations;  And repayeth them that hate him to their face, to destroy them:  he will not be slack to him that hateth him, he will repay him to his face.  (Deuteronomy 7:  1-10, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  What to Take Literally (03/11/2013); A GOD of War? (03/12/2013); “Authorized Personnel Only”? (03/13/2013); Why So Much Murder? (01/12/2013); Confusion 2013 (01/13/2013); Why Did The Judges Fight? (10/19/2012); The Spirit is Willing (10/20/2012); Violence In The Bible (02/26/2012); (09/13/2011) Dispatch 34:  The Servant Must Not Strive


Edgar, here are some points that Christian believers find useful for understanding the things from GOD that are recorded as the Holy Bible:

(1)  Sacred writings require more than simply descriptions of people and places, facts or statistics, and sequential narrative.  A reader must proceed with a knowledge of divine law, various sacred operations (such as covenant, judgment, promise, and prophecy), and a clear view of eternal purposes.  The Bible provides a divine point of view reporting sacred events through thousands of lives over the course of thousands of years.

(2)  In the same way we are told GOD created the nation of Israel, GOD created the armies of Israel.  The mixed multitude that fled from Egypt after witnessing the plagues (i.e., judgments) against Pharaoh  consisted primarily of farmers, shepherds and livestock handlers who had no knowledge of tactics, strategies or weapons.  Many miracles to establish discipline and divine order are recorded, even that men should use a paddle to bury what would come from their bodies when they relieve themselves.  Just as armies may be destroyed in the kitchen (through their food becoming contaminated), the health of a camp is preserved through maintenance of the sleeping quarters (the bedroom), and by having a proper latrine area (we say, bathroom).

(3)  Jericho was a “fenced” or walled city, and was seen by all as an impregnable stronghold—a siege there could last an entire generation (40 years).  Therefore, overcoming Jericho quickly would set the tone for all further encounters.  Jericho was the first major assault in the Promised Land, the first assault without Moses, and the first assault with Joshua as leader.  Not only were there issues of confidence, élan and morale, the Israelites all (men, women and children) would have to engage issues of covenant-keeping, faith, obedience, and recognizing the active presence of GOD.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example,  (4)  For centuries, the men of seven tribes were in covenant with GOD, and had prospered upon the land that Israel was now to receive.  Like Pharaoh, after repeated backsliding, betrayal, covenant-breaking, idol worship, ignored warnings, malice toward GOD, and sin the seven tribes finally came under separating judgment, and were to be utterly destroyed and removed.  Instead of brute force, another form of power was revealed that could only be acknowledged as from GOD.)   Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC