An Elegy for Uncle Jimmy

The Throne Room

Meredith L. Peel

I traveled to the Throne of God
bearing a burden of fiercest love,
and having loved and lost, I asked:
“What, my God, do you desire?”

Coupled with a fiery breath,
swift and loud came the reply:
“RIGHTEOUSNESS,” my God said.
My face burned; my heart fell.

Before a judge holy as He,
none could stand to plead his case.
Turning homeward, burden heavy,
His voice followed: “Ask again.”

Again to the Throne I turned,
with heavy heart, and trembling voice.
But once again I made my plea:
“What, my King, do you desire?”

“Faithfulness” - a gentler breath -
yet strong enough to carry off
those faithful ones I’d stowed away
within my burden of fierce love.

Once more I turned toward my home,
a lighter burden on my back.
To my surprise, pursuing me,
He called, “Ask once again, My child.”

And turning to the Throne I asked:
“What, my Lord, do you desire?”
A gentle whisper, His reply:
“Reconciliation.”

And at this word all who remained
in the great burden of my love
compelled me forward to His throne
to be released upon His feet.

And when at last I turned to go,
beneath my feet I saw a fire.
I cried out, fearing, for those souls
I had entrusted to His care.

Before my question, His reply:
“I desire that ALL of Mine
be reconciled, and be refined.
For holiness awaits all who
withstand My holy fire.”

My heart now still, His message clear,
my burden now at home with Him,
I wept with joy and sang my thanks,
ready now to be refined.

And passing over that great fire,
His spirit spoke these words to me:
“The heat is great,
My love still greater,”
and heart at peace, I returned home.