The Very First Lesson Poem by Daniel Partlow

“Repent! For the Kingdom of God is at Hand”
Was the first message He gave, that we may understand.
Light had arisen, where before death overshadowed land.
The kingdom of God is God’s presence, understand.

He went to the lands of Zebulon and Naphtali
To Capernaum on the coasts of the sea of Galilee
To fulfill the words of Isaiah’s prophecy
That those there in darkness would be given light to see.

For darkness and light cannot co-exist in the same space:
When the light arrives, the darkness then has lost its place.
But that doesn’t mean that all therein will embrace.
It doesn’t mean that everyone will bask in the lighted-grace.

But just how does one Repent?
What is this first exhortation that he sent?
Change! Stop doing and loving sin – this is what he meant.
Replace your glee for sin with regret and lament.

But dwell not forever in this saddened state.
Lust and grief shall both be checked at the Kingdom’s gate.
Follow his lead now – why would you wait?
Why would you roll the bones of your eternal fate?

For greater happiness is here now, permanent and pure.
He’s placed your fingers on the latch of the Kingdom’s door.
So cross the threshold to his firmament and take a guided tour.
See what bounty and contentment the Lord has in store.

But again I ask what does this mean?
Renounce and reverse all thy sins - be not ‘in between’
Submit thy will and worldly wisdom, of which you were so keen.
Let the bible and the Holy Spirit by thy teaching dean.

Let the Lord mould you and whip you into shape.
Pride and will and perceptions of self – all you can escape.
A new more pious you will come to light, as he draws back the drape.
And you shall bear and enjoy the fruit of the true fig and grape.

Look to the Church for guidance to help you find the path.
The Lord exhorts us all to share the wisdom that we hath.
Let all of us help each other escape the final judgement wrath.
The work is long from done: six minus two billion, you do the math.