The Conversation

 

 

I was privy to a conversation

Between the Saviour and Satan,

I am not writing about Job

So you need to really listen.

 

It is not recorded in the Bible

Actually, it is in my head,

That is why you need to listen

I will tell you what was said.

 

I am a struggler, as you know,

And I don’t often get it right

But there is one thing I can tell you

I don’t give up without a fight.

 

There is a chance I might give in

But don’t you dare relax

For once there is an opening

Be assured, I’ll be right back.

 

 

The conversation went like this

With Satan the first to speak,

He went to Jesus boasting

That I was still his sheep.

 

I was still doing wrong things

In fact, some serious sins, he accused

And I was really a waste of time

And God’s way I had refused.

 

He presented a very long list

Of commissions and omissions

And suggested to my Saviour, Jesus,

There was no fellowship or union.

 

He was long and very detailed

Not a sin he had omitted

Re my thoughts and re my actions

Quite a few I had committed.

 

 

To be very honest with you

Much that he said was very true

And if it were me that had to judge

Long ago I would have been through.

 

“Quite true,” Jesus said to Satan,

“You have itemized his deeds

But why haven’t you examined his heart

Ever since he first believed?

 

That is out of your league,

You judge by what appears,

But I know the hearts of all my sheep

And for them all I care.

 

I chasten them whenever they fall

But I restore them also

And remind them I’ll never forsake them

And daily this I show.

 

They know that they are mine

Even though they sometimes doubt,

They carry my brand of ownership

And you cannot rub it out.

 

This one that you accuse

Has come a mighty long way

And though he struggles more than most

He is not a permanent stray.

 

You judge him on his performance

But I appraise his heart,

In his heart he deeply loves me

And no one can tear us apart.”

 

With that Satan slunk away

His plan had definitely not worked,

However, I knew he would come again

Because that is how Satan works.

 

Isn’t it wonderful to know

That we are covered by Jesus’ blood,

Shed on that cross at Calvary

Beneath which his slayers stood?

 

Forgiven, pardoned and set free

And saved forever more,

Abundant life in the here and now

And so much more in store.

 

Stewart Russell © February 12, 2021