THE SOURCE OF THE LAW

Meaning in Psalm 132

Alfred D. Byrd

DAVID, the shepherd summoned by God,
Endured misfortunes, but kept his faith
In the One Who meant for him to rule
A people chosen to serve the King.
He set the King above his kingship:
Ruling, to David, called him to serve
The One Who is the Source of the Law.
The shepherd made king confirmed a vow
With an oath that bound his life to God:
"I'll take no rest and enjoy no food
Until I've made a place for my King
To rest secure among my people."

DAVID recalled a blessing now lost,
A chest that held the Law of Moses.
Israel prospered, having the chest,
But groaned when it fell in war to foes
Who worshiped idols and scorned the One.
The shepherd made king brought home the chest.
He made the priests of Levi dress up
In robes of linen that said, "We're pure!"
He dressed himself as one of the priests
And danced among them without restraint
As they brought the chest with songs of joy
To fill the City of Peace with hope.

THE KING remembered David with love.
The One by Whom the people had sworn
Would swear an oath to stand forever:
"David, your son will receive your throne,
A throne that I give to light the world.
My promise, renewed this day, is sure.
Your heirs, if they keep My Law with zeal,
Are sure to form a line unbroken."

SOLOMON founded for God a house,
A temple for God to meet with us.
Our God, accepting the house, called out,
"I'll rest within these walls forever.
Surely, I'll give the Land what it needs.
The hungry will eat; the priests will serve
By singing with joy their love for Me.

"IN DAYS to come, I'll send Anointed,
Bearing My Spirit of light and strength,
To purge the earth of foes of the truth.
When they bend their knees and bow their necks,
Anointed, David's offspring, will wear
A crown of glory to tell the world,
'The light of God is your hope of peace.'"

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WHAT'S FAIR

Meaning in Psalm 133

Alfred D. Byrd

LIVING together justly in peace
Is what God wants the children to do.
To think as one, to sing with one voice,
And to do as one what's fair and pure
Is to bring to life the love of God.
That love is like the dew that settles,
Making things green in the cool of dawn,
On lives awaiting the light of day.
That love is like anointing from God —
Like oil of olives falling on one
Who stands before the altar to be
A bridge between a sinner and God.
A life that's free from shame is offered,
Taking the place of lives gone astray.
The blessing of God removes our sin
And makes us able to live in joy
A life restored to God in wholeness.
Any who takes what's offered receives
The life eternal that runs in God.

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HIDDEN BEYOND OUR SIGHT

Meaning in Psalm 131

Alfred D. Byrd

HIGHER than eyes can see is the Throne
On which our God considers secrets.
Many may tell you, "We know these things,"
But much lies hidden beyond our sight
To keep us from pride that knows no bounds
And calls our neighbors liars and fools.
Conceit is hateful to God, our King,
And boasting poisons the well of trust.
Our God supplies us with minds to search,
As well as hearts to love and accept.
We should learn as much as sight reveals,
But come to rest untroubled in God.
A child that seeks a mother's embrace
Is wiser than one engulfed in pride.
The hope of those called out by our God
Is mercy and grace, the gift of love.

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Asenath's Tale

OUR CHANGE OF HEART

Meaning in Psalm 130

Alfred D. Byrd

SOMETIMES, we feel that we've lost our hopes
And lie in darkness without a friend.
When we're done with thoughts of wrong to us,
We think of all the wrongs that we've done
And ask ourselves, "Can God forgive us?
No one could face the judgment of God
If it meant, 'Each sin will get its due.'"

FROM DARKNESS, we cry, and God will hear
Our plea for mercy — our change of heart.
Our God forgives whoever will turn
From darkness to light without deceit.
The sinner who turns should walk in awe
Of the One Who gave and keeps the Law,
Yet makes a way away from judgment.

SLEEPLESS at night, let's watch for dawn.
Our light will arise; the Light is God.
There's hope for you, for me ‐ for the line
That's chosen by God to live the Law.
The Law is love, for our God is love,
The spirit of truth above all lies —
The Spirit Who saves the lost from sins
And changes their death to life in God.

The story of Divine Light as revealed by Hebrew and Christian Scripture.

The Light