“I AM PHILIP”

I rejoice that I could speak,

Interpret and teach God’s word.

That I could give guidance

And bring meaning to the coming

And the passing of Christ, Our Lord.

My journeys, out of Judah,

Were frightening and I was scared.

My tongue sometimes appeared tied;

I knew what I wished to say,

Yet I could not express a phrase.

My stutter, in childhood had been a bond;

It left me dumb when I wished to expand,

Or defend the actions of those around.

I was pacified, sometimes ignored,

Allowed to remain quiet and alone.

My silence gave time for study,

To read of the scriptures in the synagogue.

I was thrilled by the stories told,

I felt a kinship with those of old,

I was eager for the coming of the Messiah!

My teachers wondered at what I had learned,

For it was not easy for them to discern.

I could not recite the principal verse;

When I replied, I could not, the response was terse,

‘Here was a lad whose mind will waste.’

My Lord said to me, ‘Go, tell the story.

Do you not know of my glory!

You have knowledge and understanding.

Do not wait for another,

You are chosen to deliver to your neighbour.

My impediment was released.

My joy in thought and word unleashed.

Now I could relate what I believed;

I saw the signs and I could speak,

I did willingly all to complete my deed.

‘I am Philip.’

What is thy will, O Lord?

That I may fulfill my reward.

I shall carry the message given,

To all who will stop and listen.

The miracles of which I am witness,

Confirm the promise written down,

By each of the prophets who had spoken,

To give God’s guidance and direction,

And to bring a greater king to be crowned.

Your words Lord were sweet,

A rich and filling diet;

Given to every class of man,

To whoever would respond,

And ask forgiveness and be baptized.

Your words false idols cast down.

Lifted up the poor and rejected,

Gave equality in God’s eye,

Allowed the renewal of individual,

To be bathed in your word and spirit.

Lord Jesus, You are truly the Son!

Proven by all manner of things you have done.

My life has been spent fruitfully,

Beyond borders and across seas,

Found meaning for those I told of Thee!

May 1st. 1996 © Will George