The Lord Yahweh gave me a disciples’ tongue,
so as to know how to aid someone faint.
With a word he wakens,
morning by morning,
wakens my ear so as to hear like the disciples.
The Lord Yahweh opened my ear,
and I didn’t rebel, I didn’t turn away.
I gave my back to people striking me,
my cheeks to people pulling out my beard.
I didn’t hide my face
from deep disgrace and spit.
The Lord Yahweh helps me;
therefore I haven’t been disgraced.
Therefore I set my face like flint,
and I knew I wouldn’t be shamed.
The one who shows that I’m in the right is near;
who will argue with me? – let us stand up together.
Who’s the person with a case against me? –
he should come forward to me.
There, the Lord Yahweh will help me
– who’s the one who will show that I’m in the wrong?
There, all of them will wear out like clothing;
moth will consume them.
Who among you lives in awe of Yahweh,
listens to his servant’s voice?
One who has walked in darkness
and has no illumination
Must rely on Yahweh’s name
and lean on his God.
There, all of you who kindle fire,
who belted on firebrands:
Walk into your fiery flame,
into the firebrands you’ve lit.
This is coming about from my hand for you;
you’ll lie down in pain.
Goldingay, John; Goldingay, John; Wright, Tom; Wright, Tom. The Bible for Everyone . SPCK. Kindle Edition.
Thank you, dear Jesus,
for all you have given me,
for all you have taken away from me,
for all you have left me.
Thomas More (c.1478-1535)