Rejection was his daily bread
force fed with every slamming door
every priest
every man and woman
proclaiming him unclean
with their eyes.
His impossible dream is nourished
as the Irresistible Word moves through Judea
This Son of David who heals.

He sees him coming --
the Carpenter's gentle Son
surrounded by Abraham's children
wanting his attention
his smile
his touch.

But as the leper crawls out, people scatter
unable to raise stinking head
and rotting face
his simple request is found irresistible:
"You can heal me, if you want."

He who was before Abraham
gave Sarah her Isaac
and wrestled with Jacob before the ladder
could only smile about desperate need
cloaked with audacity.

The lightest touch
made the leper giddy
leaping to his feet
seeing cleanliness laced with holiness.
Jesus returned the joy with a smile
and knew, though his days be numbered,
they would not be quiet ones.

The once scorned
became an evangelist
telling all within hearing
how the Glory of God
rests in the Carpenter's hands.

Wisdom kissed me
and obedience was all mine.

The joy of laying down selfishness
gall
and self-righteousness.

I keep prostrate for the sake of my soul.
Never lifting eyes
always studying the dirt
from which I came.

His Presence never leaves me
so my head stays down
my ears focused
my sight keen
on what He wants for me.