The Greeks had developed their own way of talking,
A language with more than one way to say “love,”
And spread it abroad by tough sailing and walking,
From major port cities to high towns above.
The city of Rome had become its own nation;
Was mighty in men and machinery of wrath.
Long roads now connected each distant war station,
Flagged stones lay in order o’er many a “path.”
While kings in the East with a studied reliance,
Had carefully placed many stars on their chart.
From speaking, to fighting, to far-away-science,
It seemed a new era was ready to start.
Yes. Formal, predictable ritual held sway.
God, in His power was all but forgotten.
But glorious, wonderful, Son-perfect day;
The fullness of time came–He sent His begotten!
Exact parallels would be foolish to muster,
But some similarities seem to be found.
Greek is no longer the language to utter,
It’s English that’s now the wide-world-wanted sound.
But Rome still controls, iron-and-clay yet exists;
From titles like “senate,” to shapes of “domed roofs.”
And Rome-borrowed gods and Greek words do persist;
Try “Juno,” “Apollo,” and “Titan” for proofs.
Ritual is freshly re-gripping most churches.
A “calendar year” is once more being heard.
Toward broadway, broadway the movement now lurches
Nor is “eucharist” (mass) an in-Bible word.
Christ came the first time when God opened time-gates
And He’ll come again when conditions are right.
But antichrist also awaits with his pit-mates.
The false may come first–as “an angel of light.”
By “modern” assemblies pure saints are thought odd;
Who celebrate nothing–nor worship the earth.
The saints will be caught up when God gives His nod.
His Return will surprise; as His first did, at birth. –eab, 12/3/98
Written while pastoring in Olathe, Kansas – NOTE, written ONE DECADE AGO
Separate-Holy 