A true Rose (Gem)

                                      a true rose (Gem)

I shall live among the forest trees, and in the forest might's.
I shall live among the desert's cold, and the desert's heat.

I will reside in open plains or in close range, in majestic gardens, or in furnished mountains,
I will stand my grounds and humbly display my strength.
In red, pink, white, and in thorns I'm arrayed to me nothing goes unnoticed, and why not? blossom away.
Fear not my thorns for every thing gentle also carries great might, and my creator is an example of that.
My greatest reward comes when given to someone who waters me and understands how hard it is,when not loved.
The seasons come and they go each complimenting one another, but I'm the lonely subject to my
environment. Being me is my toughest trial and remaining is my biggest accomplishment.
 

BY: Raphael G

Projections

What projection one finds more appealing ? The outer shell (materialistic being ) or the inner shell (spiritualistic being )? The outer shell is here today and gone tomorrow...the inner shell is here today and remains forever, eternalized in mass energy.

The question will query the answers on what foundations one builds enduring or perishable expectations. Again the question will probe a heart condition, predetermined or yielding accordingly to knowledge gained on one's projections.

The balancing act absorbs the mass energy in projections, when trivial is first and question secondary. Of what significance is gaining the world and losing the most valuable ? In our formless state, during time absent of guidance (unguided energy) by laws beyond our reach the miracle begins, energies attract energies to the point we become material....but energy first.

Being that we are materialistic and spiritualistic...why is a higher energy (power) attracted to the inner shell ? And is there a condescending attachment to which we are not synchronized with ? As human beings we are inseparable to both...yet there is higher leaning at best towards the inner shell (spiritualistic) self why ? In our formless state, then material, energy, programming is absent...during our incubation period projection come in the form passed from generation, after generation implants and gifts that become question and answers in gained or loss knowledge.

So we have this yearning, innate, superlative gift expressive as conscience, the ever awaken other half which becomes a pathway into transcendency. To be fully aware or at least able to manage the wide over-load of these projections, one must have accurate knowledge...this being the safe guard to which becomes the light itself, without crashing the fragile gains we so much take to granted.

Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? In other words energies is always manifesting in our lives, For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb (sacred Chamber). I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that fully well.

Coincidences is a word I rarely use when it comes to energies, its almost impossible for opposites to make lasting bonding connections to each other. So the product that you have become, may not be the final product to which you are called. Let me explain...to fully deploy our senses and gifts, during the incubation period some malevolent lost energies have misplaced errors in the genetic codes through tinkering with those divine expressions. 

We are not half the projection we are meant to be...and then there is choice. The superlative expression is not absent of conscience...never. It actually seeks the choicest energies on which to merge. It is an ongoing process of time consuming separation, some will find themselves through trial and chance while others inherit more expressive vibrations. In the long run the ultimate goal is finding you, and not conceding to the primordial lost energies to which we are all subjects...one way or the other.

We find everyday that something is fighting us, or we are fighting it. Call it what you elect to relate, and then we move on. Its not that simply its very persistent, hanging around until our last death stroke. It is subtle...benign, almost to the point we consider it part of our make-up of the twist and turns, reasons the gullible slave to which you are the call. Confuse and distracted from the daily routines we, some how by-pass true meaning and its disguise.

Again the age old conspiracy manifest disguise and meaning in the form of active or passive energies, the inexperienced become the prefer target since they are still trying to harness the greater expression. No matter the many transformation it plots, we are summons with deep rooted divine gifts to counter some very sophisticated projections, only the few will ever chart its' pathway to really break free. Its a challenge for the choicest expression woven with special characters deep in the sacred chambers...the workshop of a superlative spiritual guide.

By : Raphael G

03/17/17

Admirer's reproach II

Admirer’s Reproach

“Why did you leave the window open?

Were you expecting a stranger in the night?
Every day I sit by the front door way, you past by like I wasn't there;
Yet your fragrances are fresh like morning dew I know better.
Your never lonely in your house angels guard your safe keeping.
Go ahead ask me where I have been? I tell you things just keep happening,
I must speak of what I have abandon, the vaulted sky the earth below, shadows tossed, and the land of broken dreams.

If I could find comfort for just a while it would be in the corner stairways;
Leading to my admirer’s reproach! Like autumn’s foliage that chariots to their winter bed,
Where is my resting place for today? Like dust driven away my soul finds no refuge…I have become tired, exhausted in my quest to reveal the sacred spiral, who is worthy in my madness?
 

Lead me captive in the sorrows of my beloved strange host where the sun rises from the Far East touching my deeps wounds. 

The many whom my strangeness admired, but stranger than none; here to abide with it in my strange loved. I lay me down until my next resurrection in the near coming spring the day of my birth many years ago when my father woven me in the secret place, not troubling where I sweetly slept.”

 She's a kaleidoscope of charm and chant,

she's like a complex maze and puzzles,

that lead to a wealth of findings and intrigue.

She's like a continuous melody that resounds like the pounding of my heart,

like a fresh spring breeze that last many seasons.

She's like a cascade that echoes in waterless regions, bringing to life anything

in its path.

She's stands alone in the presences of many, in silence she instructs her audience,

she's an inspiration of thoughts...a pool of resources, silence surrounds me as she goes about her way.
 
From the Far East a descending voice toss in the wind made its way on a long journey towards the west, From Its interpretation I was able to decipher its codes and well meant meaning. I became enchanted and eager to reveal, relentless and compulsive in what maybe its true secrets. 

I felt again promoting the rituals the heart only understand and feels, I resigned in holding back the inspiration once again. I embrace like a young child if this maybe real and worthy of conspiring with or just another natures play. Nature has many healing ways so I trust and let go of any preconceived agenda and ideas, to the amazement of my innocence,

What a treat to a child still embracing and holding true to a ritual little understood’. Within time the soft voice from the Far East continue its presentation and disclosed the paradox for which it was sent. If words where hard to find than it was certainly here that I began my stutter and stammering, a person of my endowment lost for words and thought. 

Hear me O’ wind allied of mysteries and revealer of mix thoughts bring to me your irony or paradox, hold back nothing that is worthy of inquiry and that can be of purpose and instruction. Help me find hope, as I long for the await scene of truth, happiness, love, compassion, mercy and the spirit that guides it. Deliverer of dreams tossed; show me the pathway to this wonderful journey of ruse and fascination.

BY: Raphael G

Bachelor's Dream

A Bachelor's Dreams

Show mercy towards me, soften your heart and make room in your treasures of compassion for me. I speak to you from my heart, that my greatest desires and anxieties is to have your approval so I, may exercise my goodness and loving kindness to you in a unlimited way.

I have set before me an oath that what ever becomes me, to get to you will be uprooted out. I have set before me an oath, that even the mightiest oak must bend for you are to much to let go by.

I belief that in every one of us there is goodness, and I relay on your supply to give me an opportunity to show you, the difference between he who has, and he who doesn't the difference between sadness and rejoice.

If I were to be judged, let me, be judged because of my words and not my actions.

If I were to be ignored let it be because of a time barrier and not because of persistence.

If I were to be considered let it be because I, speak the truth and God has guide my way.

If I were to be shamed let it be before my eyes for we all can grow and learn.

As the day goes by I, wonder whether it leaves a pace on which to follow, and as the years pass by I, become sadden as my dreams comes and goes and I, not able to grasp it.

If I, were to offend let it be known and I, will prostrate before you, let us meet as warriors for righteousness, reason, mercy, compassion, and kindness.

If I, were to be replace I'm slowly terminated by grief or failure, I'm also happy to state that very few could replace you, maybe none. For a fine companion who can find it?

Let presumptuousness rest in patience, in time, in love, in deeds.

May sound wisdom and discernment be to your enjoyment, and the words of the wise be your enlightenment. Dear young one until we meet again for never is a long time.

BY: Raphael G

Dilemma of the desire

                      DILEMMA OF THE DESIRE

My young years have flown by like migratory birds which will never return,

All things I, desire to do and yet not accomplished,

My desire is a great pain in my intestines and bones, that feed on me and though there isn't no greater desire, that road also has its Burdens,

Those I, rely on and associate with have been of no significant help but despair. Though I don't condemn them for they to ride a similar road,

My surroundings are like a prison which I, constantly war against because of circumstance. Many lost can be attributed to my surroundings,

I daily question why things go this way, and is there a purpose? I'm flatter of how life has been for me, and I, look ahead for more surprises as I, struggle to fulfill my desire.

BY: Raphael G

Sept.1992

infinite quotes

To the many surprise that life offers, the only surprise to me is the lost of a true friend.

To the many roads that spread before us, the inexperienced claims victory.

To understanding, discernment, and wisdom the righteous knowledge has been revealed, and the path of such ones is like the light of the morning sun that gets brighter and brighter as the day draws to a close.

By : Raphael G

The weight of talent

                                      The weight of talent

Far beyond our scope of reason there lays comfort,

Beyond our maturing minds we find a host of complex reasoning,

As our experience increases we are set free or imprisoned by the offset of outcome,

As time presses on we embrace for a new challenge,

we are as vulnerable as the last subject who conceived a brighter tomorrow,

Who among us can grasp the wind?

Who among us can see the sound?

Who among us can dictate the time?

We must press on with unwavering conviction that a true gesture is our only allied, and that our only escape from the falsehood that heavily entangles our motives is not to concede.

The character of many is refined through a process, the good deeds become a blurry cloud that obscures our vision,

We know so much and yet so little, so little and yet find a way. Can a physically blind man see a physical realm?

And does a thinker becomes weighted down because his projection of thought?

If I’m wrong condemn me, if I’m right execute a judgment.

By : Raphael G

Ink n paper

                                           Ink and paper

The ability to self-express, I mean really to convey the true person (the secret person) individual,
takes on a whole dimension and approach.
Being spontaneous to many is like bursting with words and actions aimlessly. But to the well trained and sight, being the true-self, took on a life time of achievements.

The emotional-self (nurturing being) and logical-self (mechanical being) these characters are at a cross-point, since the beginning of time, and just as ancient ! The balance of gifts, may take someone a life cycle and then at our last death stroke we become endow with the ultimate expression.

To be truly free is not rationalizing that we are the wind...to ride the wind is an abstract mindset.

To flow like a mighty river or a gentle stream invokes great passion, when the spirit is stirred it reveals wonders...yet there is a hollow void that chokes at the end.

So where are we ? When the questions and answers are so inspiringly crafted, that seeking the ultimate-expression can lead to a host of the unknown !

Again I take to the Ink and white paper, they hold and record the knowledge...lost and found, seeking its audience, breaking all barriers...setting a path on which there can be guidance, not demanding nor dictating , just benevolent...patient and all embracing.

10/20-1/2016
Raphael G

Lament for departed doll

                   Lament for departed doll

Here once again I sit surrounded by creation. By a small stream of water that tell tales about my life's esteems that once were so plentiful and massive trees that reveal history. By musical bird’s that play haunting melodies, expressing their version of happiness. By laborious creatures that don't give up trying and a restless sunlight beaming on the leaves of where I shade.

Here I sit in the middle of nowhere all directions I look there's a road or a passageway someone once took, my heart desires to help but, who knows how far they stumble forth?

As I patiently sit observing my surroundings I saw a cat decorated in flashing colors distracted and even took no notice of me determine by her pains and a belly full of unborn kittens, she flagged by anxious about her where about's.

Here in the middle of nowhere one comes to meditate and initiate contact with his creator. As I sat patiently a few cautious passers bye's managed to stroll along their path and I wandered!

I long to know and press ever forward too that extra mile to find a road or a path that can lead me to you. For every breath of air fills me with wonderful thoughts about you. Here I send you things a heart can do.

Everything in life is temporarily but the memories of you are everlasting. Your innocent smile brings joy to all low in spirit. Present yourself to me in ways unknown and I, will judge you righteous, for your ways are wonderful, beautiful, and charming. I'm the one who knows and will not give in trying to interpret them. For your ways, are signals to those who follow.

I have found my way towards you, with the little courage that resides me, and the valor I can summons from above. Truly I'm like a young lad in search of understanding, Like the birth of a new star awaiting acceptance, awaiting placing, seeking instruction, finding little hope, stumbling to reach hearts, and yet I weep, I joy, I endure, with many thanks for my very existence is a privilege.

Renew your friendship with me, just as the season compliments one another. Point my way out to the light again, lead my soul out of captivity, be the one to save me and I will be in debt to you forever. Compassion, mercy, reason, and love had a debate at the end they all gave way and rejoiced.

                                
(5/2-10/12-94)               

BY:Raphael G

© right

If life is a Struggle

If life is a Struggle

If life is a struggle, what does death offers in the long run?

Why do we grief over our short comings?

In high places sits the arrogant, time makes the calls and he is of little means!

Time is a thief it robs us of our youth, it makes us gray and savvy, only to reverse as we become children again in our unstable state.

If only we could remain children’s forever can we challenge time?

Time produces; time reduces, and time the crook that steals values as it never burns out. When one wonders time laughs, when one is hurting time laughs, when one is lonely time laughs, time follows no command it is space to be filled, infinite like the thief’s treachery, ever present to observe and molest our slightest moments, like a 

motionless predator it works its web, and consumes, destroys.

The time capsule that never runs out, the subjects trapped in its belly with little hope, time the unscrupulous vigilant, the giver and taker of life.

Time drags when it is having greater moments, the time is and the time will come for all under its sight to time no more!

If not for the cosmos, and the seasons we would be like the dust particles, cosmic drift tossed in the wind, miniature particles of matter that resemble time itself in so many ways.

The Great Spirit is great, find him and make him your allied. Bow to the mysteries and secrets that simple minds charge at, because understanding is not its helper.

The balance of nature is becoming undone, who can reverse it? Oh father/mother earth that sustains life for a little while, you that shelters the offspring’s of creation in the bosom of paradise, she calls for the souls to fertilize her grounds, she cries out with open mouth and a belly that’s never satisfied.

(C) write protected

Raphael G

Spring of 2010

Dream Weaver

 

Dream weaver

Like a voyage of long ago,

A time long awaited, where the inspiration rejuvenates an inspirator of dreams,

there aren't rehearsed dreams better than agitated currents,

nothing prepares an inspirator for events so impacting like these...only that emotions and innate feelings incorporate to weave complex feelings that exhaust the soul already in surrender.

Again I find myself embracing for the shock of my life...like it was yesterday.

I reason like a innocent young lad in my search for truth, harmony, feelings, principles, and virtues...Oh Lord save me' help me' give strength...understanding in this world of dreams that never seem to seize pouring my way...I'm not dignified of the leveled thinking.

If poetry is letters of second hand, why do I find myself hindered in what is revealed before me? If poetry is letters of second hand' why do I summons a supreme being? Like this was a debate between me and the creator! My reinforcement is to continue revealing the fundamental things of the heart and pursue the current correctness in guiding the senses.

Never doubt what I write...from the most profound things of the heart inspired reasoning ushers forth what the dream weaver feels in his inspired search.

There can be no falsehood in revealing...more likely it is the initial stage to convocate dialogue, where there is invocation souls come together like poetry and the letters to promote communication in the field of thinking. Poetry and its power for sure have gained its rewarding crown for time to come.

She weaves my broken dreams,

she's soft like the morning mist,

she has these beautiful blues...one is the vast oceans...the other a bright sky in a touching spring break,

she's a master work of whom the thinkers of modern and ancient times debate if she is true or not,

she's an electrifying maiden, no need for dynamic energy to assemble my thoughts,

She would be a great lament if lost and the Divine beings would lament her for an eternity.

What would become of me if she was bones of my bones and fresh of my fresh? I care for her like the hen care for their kind.

I would be enchanted with her like a toddler and toy of interest,

she would be my toy in my eternal toddling.

What can a poor gentile man do for a maiden such touching? If life is all I possess ...than my sacrifice is not in vain!

She's hope for a fallen people and they anticipate in her revealing treasures, O' grandiose king of eternity woe' to me if this was letter of second hand, you are my guide...My fort and my call...you my Judge' that the reality is the sacred expression.

O' my Lord equip me for the outstanding of this dream, you well know my tragedy...I'm innocent in this dream that I can't construct, prepare my path according to the events of worth and surprises in which I must embrace, I ask no more...otherwise that the sacred expression returns fortified in a world of abnegation and absences.

© right protected

By: Raphael G

 06/15-23/07

Amish Shack

                                        The Amish Shack

They the raving blues that never seem too tire out always on a move like Nomadic caravans from the slightest sound or encompassing position, like a satellite hovering and dancing from above it intrigues and fascinate the observer. The piercing blues that cause so much commotion and excitement in my soul, sending it into bliss of mind bending thoughts. Like a foundries heat that consumes my inquisitive yearnings that contest debate, promoting sanity in an ever winding circular motion of complex undertaking.

Like a dungeon they imprison me as they go about its taxing ways, innocently partaker of the observer; oblivion host. In a world of sadness blue is not so blue after all, the oceans, the vaulted sky, the covenant arc, blue is eternal as promise from above. Two blue pearls in its sockets that reveal enigmas and provide a multitude of reasoning.

Enlighten me, charm me, lead my soul captive in want. I make oath with almighty Yahweh, to never remove me from your sight, keeping me writing and sleepless day and night. Drain my energy, my life’s resources! I feel the sense and meaning of true giving around you. Let heavens be weighted down on our behalf and its host rejoice one more time. If it’s a sin to let go from the abundance of the heart, than I boast as one of them all. I chase the heart as a child would after the passing of a butterfly, as it explores the new world of curiosities laughing and smiling with-out contempt lighting up the biggest fires racing out of control in a givers want.

The poet in quest to decipher meaning and revelations, the ultimate opportunity to engage in a ritual so ancient and yet all embracing. Like an outcast in all his approach, like mission all too impossible… he makes good medicine of what is placed before him. A road tread once too often he walks away with his head bow ever vigilant of what’s next in his quest to reveal.

The enigmatic blues and beautiful of them all, the one subject unique of them all. The shack I frequent to quell my thirst and hunger, the honoree of my life esteems tossed oblivion host. The inspirations never seem to vanish yet I have matured riddled; only if I could remain youthful forever to chase the uncatchable, to race against the wind one more time, to exhaust not like a wolverine relentless in his search, his pursuit. Oh almighty God be the blue eyes in the world in which I seek encouragement, and we shall write many good words together.

I write for you Oh mighty one at all times, when I contemplate beauty of all sort not far away I’m writing about your infinite designs, the everlasting perfect bond of love… imprinted in us humans. She is beautiful like Eden’ indeed and many jubilating souls praise her for the woman she has become. A thousand spring seasons may linger in paradise, but as for me you will be my favorite under God Almighty's watchful eyes; as I serene you and him with expressions of endearment.

I have made you my daily prayer and in these last days I’m not sure about my call, but certainly I have faith that in paradise God almighty; will afford me an link pen where my thoughts race once again after you. Just too unsettled my soul their twins, who is worthy? Of this inspiration only those beautiful blues can tell. Admirable and skilled parents worthy of tribute and off-springs that shower like a cascading powerful crag of waterfalls keep pushing my threshold… I seek an audience with you once again because my spirit is always at lost.

10/2010/01/2011 By: Raphael G

(C) Right protected

Melodies

MELODIES OF THE NOBLE LADY,

TO A FORGOTTEN GENTLEMAN

Like crystal clear sparkling trickles of water,

her fingers would dash, into the keys of the piano

creating haunting melodies that cascade into my path.

As she took her stand, and began staring at the audience

they laud her in silence. Those mourning over there sick ones came to life, for so glorious was her music, anything

wither would blossom.  I marvel as she closed her eyes, I

picture her mapping the earth, with her wonderful thoughts.

As she relaxed herself, I embraced myself for my emotion

were too great to reveal.  I embraced myself for the slightest mistake would endanger my intentions.

She's a light of hope, for all low in spirit.

She's like a fallen star among mankind who can't do without

her, and everything she touched she gave significance.

Her ways demanded great attention, and every little thing

about her became a proverb.

As she sat down and arrange herself, her feet made the sounds of marching armies returning from a favored battle.  Echoes, thunders, lightning, overshadowed the atmosphere which I eagerly awaited.  The instrument which she played, was viewed has having a personality for they were both so well balanced.  So enlighten became the room, everyone had to veil themselves, for she looked so heavenly.  Her eyes were like dungeons that would imprison anyone who stared at them.

She's an inspiration of thoughts,

She's an everlasting source of joyous memories,

She's a pool of refreshments,

Her youth had the direction of able parents.  Signals her ways have become for this generation,

Her laughter carried tunes of innocent doves, and her

cries well rooted feeling.

Her world enchants me to the highest degree.

Her resources are an endless spring of rejuvenation,

She's a fountain of youth, and as I partook all erosiveness

relegated.  As she stood to conclude her works, she was well

rewarded.

I felt so near, but yet so far away from her, so happy but

yet sad, for I prize all nobles, but no one prize me.  Many roads await you, destiny can be chosen.

Sept.92

Performance By : Valentina Lisitsa
I take no credit, or gains by sharing a fair clause for use of material.

© Right By: Raphael G

Lament

    Lament for departed doll

Here once again I sit surrounded by creation. By a small stream of water that tell tales about my life's esteems that once were so plentiful and massive trees that reveal history. By musical bird’s that play haunting melodies, expressing their version of happiness. By laborious creatures that don't give up trying and a restless sunlight beaming on the leaves of where I shade.

Here I sit in the middle of nowhere all directions I look there's a road or a passageway someone once took, my heart desires to help but, who knows how far they stumble forth?

As I patiently sit observing my surroundings I saw a cat decorated in flashing colors distracted and even took no notice of me determine by her pains and a belly full of unborn kittens, she flagged by anxious about her where abouts.

Here in the middle of nowhere one comes to meditate and initiate contact with his creator. As I sat patiently a few cautious passers bye's managed to stroll along their path and I wandered!

I long to know and press ever forward too that extra mile to find a road or a path that can lead me to you. For every breath of air fills me with wonderful thoughts about you. Here I send you things a heart can do.

Everything in life is temporarily but the memories of you are everlasting. Your innocent smile brings joy to all low in spirit. Present yourself to me in ways unknown and I, will judge you righteous, for your ways are wonderful, beautiful, and charming. I'm the one who knows and will not give in trying to interpret them. For your ways, are signals to those who follow.

I have found my way towards you, with the little courage that resides me, and the valor I can summons from above. Truly I'm like a young lad in search of understanding, Like the birth of a new star awaiting acceptance, awaiting placing, seeking instruction, finding little hope, stumbling to reach hearts, and yet I weep, I joy, I endure, with many thanks for my very existence is a privilege.

Renew your friendship with me, just as the season compliments one another. Point my way out to the light again, lead my soul out of captivity, be the one to save me and I will be in debt to you forever. Compassion, mercy, reason, and love had a debate at the end they all gave way and rejoiced.

                               

(5/2-10/12-94)               BY: Raphael G

© right

Faith

Through faith we patiently await the promise, and hold

Steadfast fully confident the perfect time keeper has our

Interest at large.

Hebrews Chapter 11 Faith is the assured expectation of things hoped for, the evident demonstration of realities though not beheld. ² For by means of this the men of old times had witness borne to them.

³ By faith we perceive that the systems of things were put in order by God’s word, so that what is beheld has come to be out of things that do not appear.

⁴ By faith Abel offered God a sacrifice of greater worth than Cain, through which [faith] he had witness borne to him that he was righteous, God bearing witness respecting his gifts; and through it he, although he died, yet speaks.

⁵ By faith E′noch was transferred so as not to see death, and he was nowhere to be found because God had transferred him; for before his transference he had the witness that he had pleased God well. ⁶ Moreover, without faith it is impossible to please [him] well, for he that approaches God must believe that he is and that he becomes the rewarder of those earnestly seeking him.

⁷ By faith Noah, after being given divine warning of things not yet beheld, showed godly fear and constructed an ark for the saving of his household; and through this [faith] he condemned the world, and he became an heir of the righteousness that is according to faith.

⁸ By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed in going out into a place he was destined to receive as an inheritance; and he went out, although not knowing where he was going. ⁹ By faith he resided as an alien in the land of the promise as in a foreign land, and dwelt in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the very same promise. ¹⁰ For he was awaiting the city having real foundations, the builder and maker of which [city] is God.

¹¹ By faith also Sarah herself received power to conceive seed, even when she was past the age limit, since she esteemed him faithful who had promised. ¹² Hence also from one [man], and him as good as dead, there were born [children] just as the stars of heaven for multitude and as the sands that are by the seaside, innumerable.

¹³ In faith all these died, although they did not get the [fulfillment of the] promises, but they saw them afar off and welcomed them and publicly declared that they were strangers and temporary residents in the land. ¹⁴ For those who say such things give evidence that they are earnestly seeking a place of their own. ¹⁵ And yet, if they had indeed kept remembering that [place] from which they had gone forth, they would have had opportunity to return. ¹⁶ But now they are reaching out for a better [place], that is, one belonging to heaven. Hence God is not ashamed of them, to be called upon as their God, for he has made a city ready for them.

¹⁷ By faith Abraham, when he was tested, as good as offered up Isaac, and the man that had gladly received the promises attempted to offer up [his] only-begotten [son], ¹⁸ although it had been said to him: “What will be called ‘your seed’ will be through Isaac.” ¹⁹ But he reckoned that God was able to raise him up even from the dead; and from there he did receive him also in an illustrative way.

²⁰ By faith also Isaac blessed Jacob and E′sau concerning things to come.

²¹ By faith Jacob, when about to die, blessed each of the sons of Joseph and worshiped leaning upon the top of his staff.

²² By faith Joseph, nearing his end, made mention of the exodus of the sons of Israel; and he gave a command concerning his bones.

²³ By faith Moses was hid for three months by his parents after his birth, because they saw the young child was beautiful and they did not fear the order of the king. ²⁴ By faith Moses, when grown up, refused to be called the son of the daughter of Phar′aoh, ²⁵ choosing to be ill-treated with the people of God rather than to have the temporary enjoyment of sin, ²⁶ because he esteemed the reproach of the Christ as riches greater than the treasures of Egypt; for he looked intently toward the payment of the reward. ²⁷ By faith he left Egypt, but not fearing the anger of the king, for he continued steadfast as seeing the One who is invisible. ²⁸ By faith he had celebrated the passover and the splashing of the blood, that the destroyer might not touch their firstborn ones.

²⁹ By faith they passed through the Red Sea as on dry land, but on venturing out upon it the Egyptians were swallowed up.

³⁰ By faith the walls of Jer′i·cho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days. ³¹ By faith Ra′hab the harlot did not perish with those who acted disobediently, because she received the spies in a peaceable way.

³² And what more shall I say? For the time will fail me if I go on to relate about Gid′e·on, Ba′rak, Samson, Jeph′thah, David as well as Samuel and the [other] prophets, ³³ who through faith defeated kingdoms in conflict, effected righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, ³⁴ stayed the force of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from a weak state were made powerful, became valiant in war, routed the armies of foreigners. ³⁵ Women received their dead by resurrection; but other [men] were tortured because they would not accept release by some ransom, in order that they might attain a better resurrection. ³⁶ Yes, others received their trial by mockings and scourgings, indeed, more than that, by bonds and prisons. ³⁷ They were stoned, they were tried, they were sawn asunder, they died by slaughter with the sword, they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins, while they were in want, in tribulation, under ill-treatment; ³⁸ and the world was not worthy of them. They wandered about in deserts and mountains and caves and dens of the earth.

³⁹ And yet all these, although they had witness borne to them through their faith, did not get the [fulfillment of the] promise, ⁴⁰ as God foresaw something better for us, in order that they might not be made perfect apart from us.

Published on

2/22/13 9:51 AM

The Experience exchanged

The Stephen and Paul Speech

"Stephen" recounts the sacred history of the Jews from Abraham, through Moses, to Solomon and finishes by using the words of the prophets to denounce "the Jews". "Paul" complements Stephen's story by adding in the conquest of Canaan, the period of Judges, the preparation of John, and the coming of Jesus. He, too, finishes with a warning from the prophets. The original text has been cut and pasted into two separate chapters of Acts of the Apostles, in both places where a "warning to the Jews" was required. And where did it come from? "The speech of Stephen is closely modelled on the 'Deuteronomic' psalms." – G. Lampe, Peake's Commentary on the Bible, p884. Both Greek-speaking Jews, Stephen and Paul are stoned for their trouble. However Paul, unlike the less fortunate Stephen, is required to keep the story running so he makes an instant recovery, despite being "dumped for dead". Paul being stoned at Lystra (from a 5th-century ivory casket). The stoning of Stephen. Inspiration from Josephus? Jewish historian Josephus also reports on a Stephen and an execution in Wars 2.12.2. "For at the public road at Beth-boron, one Stephen, a servant of Caesar, carried some furniture, which the robbers fell upon and seized." In the same paragraph Josephus continues " ... a certain soldier, finding the sacred book of the law, tore it to pieces, and threw it into the fire." To placate the incensed Jews "... perceiving that the multitude would not be quiet unless they had a comfortable answer from him, gave order that the soldier should be brought ... to execution, which being done, the Jews went their ways." A Stephen, an offence against the Law, an execution ...

Stephen's Speech to the Sanhedrin (Acts 7.2-53) "Brothers and fathers, listen to me! The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham while he was still in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Haran. 'Leave your country and your people,' God said, 'and go to the land I will show you.' So he left the land of the Chaldeans and settled in Haran. After the death of his father, God sent him to this land where you are now living. He gave him no inheritance here, not even a foot of ground. But God promised him that he and his descendants after him would possess the land, even though at that time Abraham had no child. God spoke to him in this way: 'Your descendants will be strangers in a country not their own, and they will be enslaved and mistreated four hundred years. But I will punish the nation they serve as slaves,' God said, 'and afterward they will come out of that country and worship me in this place.' Then he gave Abraham the covenant of circumcision. And Abraham became the father of Isaac and circumcised him eight days after his birth. Later Isaac became the father of Jacob, and Jacob became the father of the twelve patriarchs. Because the patriarchs were jealous of Joseph, they sold him as a slave into Egypt. But God was with him and rescued him from all his troubles. He gave Joseph wisdom and enabled him to gain the goodwill of Pharaoh king of Egypt; so he made him ruler over Egypt and all his palace. Then a famine struck all Egypt and Canaan, bringing great suffering, and our fathers could not find food. When Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent our fathers on their first visit. On their second visit, Joseph told his brothers who he was, and Pharaoh learned about Joseph's family. After this, Joseph sent for his father Jacob and his whole family, seventy-five in all. Then Jacob went down to Egypt, where he and our fathers died. Their bodies were brought back to Shechem and placed in the tomb that Abraham had bought from the sons of Hamor at Shechem for a certain sum of money. As the time drew near for God to fulfill his promise to Abraham, the number of our people in Egypt greatly increased. Then another king, who knew nothing about Joseph, became ruler of Egypt. He dealt treacherously with our people and oppressed our forefathers by forcing them to throw out their newborn babies so that they would die. At that time Moses was born, and he was no ordinary child. For three months he was cared for in his father's house. When he was placed outside, Pharaoh's daughter took him and brought him up as her own son. Moses was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians and was powerful in speech and action. When Moses was forty years old, he decided to visit his fellow Israelites. He saw one of them being mistreated by an Egyptian, so he went to his defense and avenged him by killing the Egyptian. Moses thought that his own people would realize that God was using him to rescue them, but they did not. The next day Moses came upon two Israelites who were fighting. He tried to reconcile them by saying, 'Men, you are brothers; why do you want to hurt each other?' But the man who was mistreating the other pushed Moses aside and said, 'Who made you ruler and judge over us? Do you want to kill me as you killed the Egyptian yesterday?' When Moses heard this, he fled to Midian, where he settled as a foreigner and had two sons. After forty years had passed, an angel appeared to Moses in the flames of a burning bush in the desert near Mount Sinai. When he saw this, he was amazed at the sight. As he went over to look more closely, he heard the Lord's voice: 'I am the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.' Moses trembled with fear and did not dare to look. Then the Lord said to him, 'Take off your sandals; the place where you are standing is holy ground. I have indeed seen the oppression of my people in Egypt. I have heard their groaning and have come down to set them free. Now come, I will send you back to Egypt.' This is the same Moses whom they had rejected with the words, 'Who made you ruler and judge?' He was sent to be their ruler and deliverer by God himself, through the angel who appeared to him in the bush. He led them out of Egypt and did wonders and miraculous signs in Egypt, at the Red Sea and for forty years in the desert. This is that Moses who told the Israelites, 'God will send you a prophet like me from your own people.' He was in the assembly in the desert, with the angel who spoke to him on Mount Sinai, and with our fathers; and he received living words to pass on to us. But our fathers refused to obey him. Instead, they rejected him and in their hearts turned back to Egypt. They told Aaron, 'Make us gods who will go before us. As for this fellow Moses who led us out of Egypt — we don't know what has happened to him!' That was the time they made an idol in the form of a calf. They brought sacrifices to it and held a celebration in honor of what their hands had made. But God turned away and gave them over to the worship of the heavenly bodies. This agrees with what is written in the book of the prophets: 'Did you bring me sacrifices and offerings Forty years in the desert, O house of Israel? You have lifted up the shrine of Molech and the star of your god Rephan, the idols you made to worship. Therefore I will send you into exile' beyond Babylon. Our forefathers had the tabernacle of the Testimony with them in the desert. It had been made as God directed Moses, according to the pattern he had seen. Having received the tabernacle, our fathers under Joshua brought it with them when they took the land from the nations God drove out before them. It remained in the land until the time of David, who enjoyed God's favor and asked that he might provide a dwelling place for the God of Jacob. But it was Solomon who built the house for him. However, the Most High does not live in houses made by men. As the prophet says: 'Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. What kind of house will you build for me? says the Lord. Or where will my resting place be? Has not my hand made all these things?' You stiff-necked people, with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You are just like your fathers: You always resist the Holy Spirit! Was there ever a prophet your fathers did not persecute? They even killed those who predicted the coming of the Righteous One. And now you have betrayed and murdered him — you who have received the law that was put into effect through angels but have not obeyed it." Paul continues the story (Acts 13.16-41) “Men of Israel, and you who fear God, listen: The God of this people Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt, and with an uplifted arm He brought them out of it. Now for a time of about forty years He put up with their ways in the wilderness. And when He had destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan, He distributed their land to them by allotment. After that He gave them judges for about four hundred and fifty years, until Samuel the prophet. And afterward they asked for a king; so God gave them Saul the son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, for forty years. And when He had removed him, He raised up for them David as king, to whom also He gave testimony and said, ‘I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My own heart, who will do all My will.’ From this man’s seed, according to the promise, God raised up for Israel a Savior — Jesus — after John had first preached, before His coming, the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. And as John was finishing his course, he said, ‘Who do you think I am? I am not He. But behold, there comes One after me, the sandals of whose feet I am not worthy to loose.’ Men and brethren, sons of the family of Abraham, and those among you who fear God, to you the word of this salvation has been sent. For those who dwell in Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they did not know Him, nor even the voices of the Prophets which are read every Sabbath, have fulfilled them in condemning Him. And though they found no cause for death in Him, they asked Pilate that He should be put to death. Now when they had fulfilled all that was written concerning Him, they took Him down from the tree and laid Him in a tomb. But God raised Him from the dead. He was seen for many days by those who came up with Him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are His witnesses to the people. And we declare to you glad tidings — that promise which was made to the fathers. God has fulfilled this for us their children, in that He has raised up Jesus. As it is also written in the second Psalm: ‘You are My Son, Today I have begotten You. And that He raised Him from the dead, no more to return to corruption, He has spoken thus: ‘I will give you the sure mercies of David.’ Therefore He also says in another Psalm: ‘You will not allow Your Holy One to see corruption.’ For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell asleep, was buried with his fathers, and saw corruption; but He whom God raised up saw no corruption. Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through this Man is preached to you the forgiveness of sins; and by Him everyone who believes is justified from all things from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses. Beware therefore, lest what has been spoken in the prophets come upon you: ‘Behold, you despisers, Marvel and perish! For I work a work in your days, A work which you will by no means believe, Though one were to declare it to you.’ Copyright © 2008 by Kenneth Humphreys.