"Not Of This Fold"  [Module #116] (John 10:7-18)

Well, here we are – Apostolate –
To boundary-jump – not hesitate
To enter in another fold,
Than one where raised – as shy or bold –

It matters not, the point is this –
Stout walls surround, and thus resists
Your exit from your culture’s fold,
Or entrance where some culture’s old –

Established, quite set in its ways;
Perhaps quite large – had many days
To grow, expand, and complex be,
Perhaps cut off by land or sea

But that was point of Jesus’ task –
Train up twelve men, as each He asked
To leave behind their cultured-norms,
And travel to these complex forms –

Of the social life with hostile folk,
Who do not wish their culture broke
By one who’d culture-buster be,
Arrived of late from ’cross the sea.

Quite open to what they can’t fix,
Despite their Shaman’s bag of tricks –
“Bring salt, and light, and leaven in,
And fix this cultured state we’re in.

A Pastor, Teacher, Prophet type,
Evangelist – they all sit tight
Behind each cultured-wall and heal,
Seek out, and care – serve hungry-meals –

But here, Apostle crosses walls,
To live in other’s folds because
They need salt, light, and leaven there
To flavor, lighten, fluff with air.

But not remove the porridge found,
Or tear down homes which dark surrounds,
Remove the dough (unleavened bread),
But add to all – feed as once fed.

Christ did, and He has promised us
Apostle types, you’ll meet some fuss,
But now I go – I’ll meet you there,
In other folds – I’ll there prepare –

A place for you, like mansion-rooms;
Spread out my friends to nether gloom,
And shine for Me, as wicks to lamps,
I’ll be the oil – like fire at camp –

I’ll push the darkness back a bit,
So circle where you live is lit;
Such light and life will cheer for all,
Their sullen life, marred by the fall.

Thanks Lord for this.

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