Category: 30 Days in Gennesaret

30 Days in Gennesaret: Day 19 Ship’s Log

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Dear Reader, Today’s poem is from the perspective of one who arrived by boat. disclaimer:  At times, I have noted that while the vernacular of those who make their living from the sea, or in healthcare, may be crudely apt, it is no less reverent.

The scripture referenced in stanza 7 has provided critical navigation in times when I have felt repeatedly and perplexingly hungry, food in front of me.   jfig

 

When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret and moored to the shore. And when they got out of the boat, the people immediately recognized him and ran about the whole region and began to bring the sick people on their beds to wherever they heard he was. And wherever he came, in villages, cities, or countryside, they laid the sick in the marketplaces and implored him that they might touch even the fringe of his garment. And as many as touched it were made well. Mark 6:53-56 ESV

 

Ship’s log

Moored

we anchored at dawn

immediately,

the disciples slipped from the boat—

and vanished.

 

Are they lost?

hidden

among the runners

bed wetters

pallet-bearers?

 

Terra firma

I sometimes needed

to pick my way,

a shifting substrate – 

choose cautiously what will undergird

as singular truth.

Pacific Rim shifting sand

 

Lost again…

have now gotten lost

at least

one hundred times

in Gennesaret alone.

 

Yesterday

He fed the masses

surely 5000

I am hungry again today…

waiting to see

what will happen

catch fish fish market fishing
Photo by mali maeder on Pexels.com

 

Guide—

Without a guide

lost became quickly treacherous.

Thankfully, Spirit (Holy One)

redeems, redeemed, is redeeming

the missed steps.

 

Found

the map/Isaiah 8: 11-22

Picked our way.

Have once again arrived

at dawn.

Jesus. is here.

 

jfig     4/2020

IMG_5202
Red Dawn

 

photo of rocky seashore
Photo by Dima Valkov on Pexels.com

Three weeks ago, our pastor Christian Lindbeck spoke about living through unprecedented times by this truth: as Jesus followers, we are set free to love, not by arriving, but by walking, step by singular step, in the company of the Holy Spirit. http://www.hcbellingham.com/sermons/called-equipped-and-set-free-to-love-like-jesus/  (mins 55-60)

Galations 5:25 “If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.”

“Mark 6:53 (ESV) – When they had crossed over.” Blue Letter Bible. Web. 19 Apr, 2020. <https://www.blueletterbible.org/esv/mar/6/53/p1/s_963053&gt;.
Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright © 2001, 2007, 2011, 2016 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved

30 Days in Gennesaret: Presence Day 18

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Presence

The air in the market

electrified the dawn

Bow scarcely nudged shore

and people were running

 

We thought Him a ghost

but what stole our breath

was the sea settling still

beneath Jesus

 

If the sea ‘believes’

then might I?

 

His damp hem

people persist in touching.

The still—move

the agitated—still

 

If the frail believe

then might I?

 

The able-bodied rally

no riot – just intense industry

passing the ‘poor in body’

toward holier translation of peace

 

If the strong believe

then might I?

 

Jesus keeps walking

step by even step

until his feet land—

at me.

“Who do you say that I am?”

 

If He believes

then might I?

 

I am struck again, Lord Jesus, by the fact that you keep presenting yourself to us – to taste, to feel, to touch – your broken body, your proven suffering and scars, your wearied robe. Do you know that we aren’t allowed to touch stuff in museums? And that we get impatient when kids tug our skirts? You present yourself to us, for grimy fingertips, and the rare bottle of expensive perfume. Today we pause, to see you, not just the insistent need that we bring, but you. Tell us your story – the one in the garden, or the one at the tomb, or even the one with breakfast on the beach. We will try to sit still, long enough to hear your voice. J

jfig     4/2020

 

30 Days in Gennesaret: Carry Day 17

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Carry

My ‘patient’ dwells

fair distance from market

‘Carry’ begins to take on

earthbound weight.

Still, we limp along

laughing and stumbling –

bumbling idiots?

 

“Do you suppose Jesus will be long gone

by the time we appear?”

Next bend in the road

sees sunlight:

‘Scuse me, Ma’am

let me take that pallet for you—”

Brawny attitude interrupts my clumsiness.

 

A passerby offers fresh water

to dehydrated stupor—

our rucksack is long empty.

“Are we there yet?”

I can hear the thunder of running footsteps

but the murmur of engaged voices

roars near as loud.

 

The foot cannot say to the hand…

I don’t need you.

We are all interconnected here

I need you

Now my heartbeat can rest.

jfig     4/2020

 

This poem was inspired by conversations with our twenty-somethings midst the Covid 19 outbreak. I caught a glimpse of what is to come in the handing-off of the torch. I dedicate this poem to my redneck brother (the brawny voiceover) and my servant leader SIL, Cheryl; who in very different ways, do a lot of carrying.

 ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me. Matthew 25:37b-40

“Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright © 2001, 2007, 2011, 2016 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.”

For further exploration, see also: “1 Corinthians 12:12 (NLT) – The human body has many.” Blue Letter Bible. Web. 18 Apr, 2020. <https://www.blueletterbible.org/nlt/1co/12/12/s_1074012&gt;.

30 Days in Gennesaret: Day 16 Market Mayhem

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Did the street dance

the stones cry out

in wonder- when Jesus

swept through town?

 

Did booth poles shake

paradigms shift

conversations gape

following Him?

assorted color clothes display on street
Photo by Ricardo Esquivel on Pexels.com

 

Did society’s fabric

hang slightly askew?

The pharisees came

wouldn’t you…

 

Did barley and lentils

make confetti like rain

when boys and girls

were whole again?

kid s green floral sleeveless top
Photo by Sankalpa Joshi on Pexels.com

 

Did spinners handing

their flax and wool

wonder what magic

their fringes might hold,

if Jesus came back their way?

 

Did butchers and bakers

dance a jig,

the farmers juggle

olives and figs

 

 

Were tables upended

and beggars crowned

the day that Jesus

came to town?

 

Did some leave their posts

never look back

drop tools and trades

for different ‘gold’?

person molding pot
Photo by Korhan Erdol on Pexels.com

 

Was the richest perfume

in market that day

joy that flowed

from Healer’s grace?

 

Did the stones cry out

and tradesmen rumble

doves coo

and old men wonder

Will Jesus come back our way?

 

jfig     4/2020

30 Days in Gennesaret: Was Anyone Six Day 15

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Was Anyone Six  

for anyone who has ever loved and hoped for a sick child

 

Was anyone six

who lay on a bed

bruised and broken

afore he had…

lived?

 

First trip to market—

or do child and corner already belong

claimed by a cup

where alms trickle across his palm

(instead of caterpillars)

 

Did someone tell a story?

Who first

Jesus or lad,

imagination’s energy quite different

from one small.sickly.frame

 

Is mother at home?

heart shackled to his side

hope her companion

she – begging

for life

 

Did Jesus speak?

some have heard these words

“I know what she needs…”

“She is merely asleep.”

“Rise up and walk.”

“No one sinned.”

“I might be glorified” through

one small.child’s.dance

 

What did the child hear?

“Shhh…it’s our secret…”

pound right here

 

Did he remind Jesus of seven

hide-n-seek in the crowd

the game of a thousand temple questions?

hammer and nails…

hammer and nails…

 

There are bumps and bruises to be had

I must be about my Father’s business

hammer and nails…

 

Was anyone six?

did Jesus hold back a grin

for another tale to be told?

what hearts did he heal

as child clambered up…

 

Finish the market piggyback—

Does this not offend?

Child swagger

grounded

in hanging on to a bigger hem.

jfig     4/2020

 

IMG_5182

 

Dear Reading Friend,

This poem took me on a lot of tangents. In following them, I stumbled onto ideas I’d never considered before, so it was worth the journey. Thank you for joining me.

Questions to ponder: 

?   In what way is Jesus inviting you to ‘hang on, childlike, to the hem of his garment?

?   We are often reminded to ‘have childlike faith.’  In what ways do children uniquely image their creator?

The poem references these passages:  Mark 5:35-43; John 9:3; Matthew 18:3; Ephesians 5:1. You can access scriptures at https://www.blueletterbible.org/

Also, I lost a day somewhere…I’m not going to worry too much about that.  If you are still on day 15, we are not lost from each other, nor hopefully from the one who is leading the way. jfig

30 Days in Gennesaret: Day 14 Threadbare

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Threadbare                                                                                                                                                                       

Wrapped in tatters

ribboned remnants of

dignity’s sparse remains

One lies in the dust

(dung to be accurate)

waiting.

 

Threads barely hide my private parts

let alone my thigh

Who carried me?

Prayer of my mother…

anguish of father

a neighbor who hoisted?

 

All turned deaf ears to my plea:

please…bear my shame in private…I beg you

Their compassioned angst

and mercy, carried me

Would that we could all escape down some private alley

to first fix ourselves before meeting the feet of Jesus.

 

Not so…

it is Jesus we need

Lots cast, our stained hands

grasp his sacred robe.

We run toward

the one who barters for our souls.

 

Carry each other—to the cross.

Humble distance

to bear shame

toward one—burden bearer

powerful enough to carry

shame’s tangled sham away forever.

 

I am no longer ‘for sale.’

Jesus has paid the price.

jfig     3/2020

RW PIC THREADBARE

 

Dear Friend,

I believe that Jesus has the power to transform one’s life in whatever way is needed.  Isaiah 61 is a beautiful passage about his intent toward us: his gifts of freedom and the outcome of God’s power to renew us and give us a place of purpose in his kingdom.

Isaiah 61:1-3. “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor, he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to grant to those who mourn in Zion— to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord that he may be glorified.”  You can read the entire passage here: “Isaiah 61:1 (ESV) – The Spirit of the Lord.” Blue Letter Bible. Web. 15 Apr, 2020. <https://www.blueletterbible.org/esv/isa/61/1/s_740001&gt;.

1)This poem touches on topics of shame, which one experiences both because of choices that one has made, and as a result of what others have done. I believe that Jesus comes to the marketplaces of Gennesaret in our lives to set us free from either. This is my prayer for all of us.

Jesus Healer, this poem touches on places of pain in us: wounds that bleed, and heavy pulling scars. We believe you have the power to heal. Heal us we pray, from the pain and shame that we drag around with us. We have landed here at your cross, our only safe place for letting go. We love you. We trust you.

You invite us to sin no more. We acknowledge sin’s destructive power and ask for growing strength to be new Jesus-kingdom people, to grow in the righteousness and beauty of your healing intent. In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen

jfig   3/2020

Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright 2001, 2007, 2011, 2016 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

30 Days in Gennesaret: Day 13, My Friend Alex

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And wherever he went—into villages, towns or countryside—they placed the sick in the marketplaces. They begged him to let them touch even the edge of his cloak, and all who touched it were healed.

“Mark 6:56 (NIV) – And wherever he went into villages.” Blue Letter Bible. Web. 14 Apr, 2020. <https://www.blueletterbible.org/niv/mar/6/56/p1/s_963056&gt;.

 

My Friend Alex

My friend Alex

strolls the marketplace

perusing.

She has a keen eye for color.

Vivid humanity

invites her back the next day.

 

My friend Alex

surveys the market

appraising.

Shades in justice catch her eye.

She leaves

paint swatches in hand.

 

My friend Alex

hurries to the market – determined.

“Examine these hues

marked disparity…”

Home…market

Something is amiss.

 

My friend Alex

storms the market:

“Why?”   “How long, O Lord?”

“Where is equitable?”

Day after day

she carries questions on the palette of her heart.

 

My friend Alex

‘moves’ to the market.

Study the fabric:

this Jesus garment.

It takes hours,

often days.

 

“Teacher, What does it cost

to allow one’s heart to be broken?”

 

jfig   2/2020

 

What questions is Jesus writing on the palette of your heart? Is there something to which he is calling your attention? 

 

30 Days in Gennesaret: Easter Tim’s Poem

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Tim’s Poem

My husband is a man of succinct words, much preferring the efficiency of a short video clip to the expansiveness of pages. But he listened quietly when I told him about 30 Days in Gennesaret, and Jesus healing the sick; how the scene intrigues with its words ‘all’ and ‘marketplace’. He listened about the juxtaposition of pandemic, and how the thirty days of April provide a creative vehicle.

Then he said,

 

Yes,

and then came Easter

and Jesus healed the whole world.

 

tfig     3/2020

IMG_5101

The construction of this cross was prompted by the creative mind of Carlo Furlan, and the willing hands of Tim Figgie. You can find Carlo’s music here: https://www.facebook.com/watch/CarloFurlanMusic/

30 Days in Gennesaret is a creative reflection project focused upon the scene of Jesus healing the sick in the region of Gennesaret. The scene is described in Mark 6: verses 53-56. In the passage, it states that all around the region, people brought their sick to the marketplaces. And Jesus healed them when they touched his cloak. For the next few days, this word marketplace will seed our poems.

30 Days in Gennesaret: Day 10 Six Feet Day 11 Forever

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SIX FEET

Maybe this year, we will not crucify Him

Six feet

Step back

Reassess

No mob, nor riot

Shouting “Crucify”

 

Step back!

Maybe this year, we will not crucify him

Distancing ourselves

From our fears

Character unknown

In such proximity.

 

Perhaps we will

Interrogate ourselves

Willfulness or honest conviction?

Which draws me

To the bedside

Of another’s pain?

 

Attend: Dare I exploit

Frail posture of another

For power

Or gain?

Maybe this year

We will not crucify him.

jfig   3/20

 

Dear Reading Friends, I thought I would not write a poem today. Instead, I found myself writing two – one for tomorrow – and being invited to reflect on these words from Jesus. I share them with the humility of needing them as much as anyone.  jfig

” This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.”    Luke 22:10

“Why are you sleeping,” he asked them. “Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.”    Luke 22:46

“Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?”    Luke 22:48

The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times.”     Luke 22:61

They asked then, “Are you the Son of God?”

He replied, “You say that I am.”     Luke 22:70

A large number of people followed him, including women who mourned and wailed for him. Jesus turned and said to them, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep for yourselves and your children. For the time will come when you will say, ‘Blessed are the childless women, the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed!’ Then they will say to the mountains, “Fall on us!” and to the hills, “Cover us!”‘ For if people do these things when the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?”     Luke 23:28-31

“Father forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.     Luke 23:34

“Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”     Luke 23:43

“Luke 22:1 (NIV) – Now the Festival of Unleavened.” Blue Letter Bible. Web. 10 Apr, 2020. <https://www.blueletterbible.org/niv/luk/22/1/p1/s_995001&gt;.

 

Lord Jesus, I am astounded that your gaze finds so many faces in the crowd, my face –   even as you are dying. You tell me the truth, don’t you? No one else invites me to be so honest with myself, and yet receive compassion. At this wide open altar of your making, I lay down – exchange – my fear and arrogance, for your words of invitation and truth. May they become the pillars on which I stake my living.  In your precious name,  Amen

Forever

One never imagines

Suffering an invitation

Yet here it is

His pain carrying mine

across his back.

 

His agony in the garden

beckons—

Living,

to choose dying

“Stay with me.”

 

And as our best efforts crumble

He stays with us

Forever.

jfig     4/2020

pic imprint2

 

“Luke 22:1 (NIV) – Now the Festival of Unleavened.” Blue Letter Bible. Web. 10 Apr, 2020. <https://www.blueletterbible.org/niv/luk/22/1/p1/s_995001&gt;.

30 Days in Gennesaret: Day 9 My Sister is Sick

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Yet I am confident I will see the Lord’s goodness while I am here in the land of the living. Psalm 27:13 NLT

I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me. John 10:14 NLT

Today’s poem captures snippets of conversations I have had with a friend who has suffered much.  It alludes to the question that perhaps we all raise in one way or another, “Why does a good God allow suffering?” To really grapple with the question takes a certain amount of bravery, let alone live the stories that prompt it. Following the poem, is a scaffolding of scripture references from which to explore further if you are interested.

My Sister is Suffering

My sister is suffering,

years now into it

breathing loss in pinched increments

as if it were air.

My heart rends a little each day

waiting.

 

Translucent

her beauty,

shines through

as if the holes

filled in

with flowers.

 

“Jesus is here!

In Gennesaret.”

We conversed

on our hurried way.

I asked

“How will we know…?”

 

She said simply

“I wait each day—

his sustaining glance

his whispers round suffering

his assurance of keeping

I wait each day.”

 

“His voice I know

His whispered caress

‘Easy, my child

you’ve nothing to fear.

I am with you in pain

My strength will suffice.’

 

So filled up with Jesus,

this sister of mine

“Oh, Brother, I’ll know Him

It will take but a touch.

I’ll know him, dear brother—

let’s hurry, let’s fly.”

jfig     3/2020

 

Psalm 27:  John 17:3;  Romans 5:1-5;  Romans 8:16; I Corinthians 1:23,24;  John 10:14

Psalm 27:13 Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Photo was taken by Cathy Barger Hoesterey near Phnom Penh, Cambodia. I chose this photo for the fierceness with which this young girl cares for her siblings.