Hosanna

For years I was a secret admirer
longing to be closer but shy
to declare my distance adoration
wondering if You were out of my league
compared to the beauty of those around me
so I settled for other little gods
like A+'s at the tops of papers
like a pinnnacle pyramid with a tree at her side
or pats on the backs from adults
who marveled at my shallow wisdom and maturity
like a pretty Christmas package with tube socks inside
or the popularity game starring me as the doormat
that felt more like a demolition derby
with a crowd who cheered for more crashes in my side
I stepped out to sing the solos in front of the choir

memorized my weekly verse for a sticker on the chart
waved the palm branches once a year
singing Hosanna in a bobby pinned headress and bare feet
not knowing the early echoes of a plea for rescue
the comfortable agony of a secret crush
until You called me on the carpet under the pews
my two little words
a question in a statement
save me
Your two little words in reply

a question in a statement
follow me
and my life was changed forever
in this new chapter
keep me on the front lines
save me from the temptation
to play it safe
hide behind the palms
and fall back into the deadly complacency
of a secret admirer

"The difference between an admirer and a follower still remains, no matter where you are. The admirer never makes any true sacrifices. He always plays it safe. Though in words, phrases, songs, he is inexhaustible about how highly he prizes Christ, he renounces nothing, gives up nothing, will not reconstruct his life, wil not be what he admires and will not let his life express what it is he supposedly admires." Soren Kierkegaard, Provocations

"Jesus isn't interested in admirers. He never was. And that's why his invitation was not 'Admire me' but 'Follow me.' That's why he was so blunt with the crowds. Jesus didn't want a fan club. He wanted a spiritual revolution." Steven James, Story

"We've been treading on thin ice, putting our faith in something feeble. Something that will never be willing or able to really sustain us . . . it's not a question of whether we worship something or someone other than God. It's just a question of what those things are. Everyone stands on something…what are you standing on?"
Jason Miller, "A Pastor's Confession" sermon March 14-15, 2008

"If any of you wants to serve me, then follow me. Then you'll be where I am, ready to serve at a moment's notice. The Father will honor and reward anyone who serves me." John 12:26