The Holy Stretch

His silhouette lines up with his preacher stretch. He points with avid attention to the throne of God. Though he stands, his skinny knees are bent. He’s in the trenches with his armament. The congregants in the old wooden church join in juxtaposition - the shadowed armies call to the almighty with outstretched limbs. Some stand, some sit, some bent, some straight. Some hold their heads with salvation strength. Some on their knees, on the planks, in face plant - stratagem of humbleness, their praise advances the kingdom of God. The breastplate of righteousness beaming, the belt of truth receiving. The book of books in the soldier’s hand - the tongue utters what the Spirit understands. Whatever time of day it is, the light is transcendentally bright. Simple plum-hued pews and rockers filled with serious saints. They grasp the gravity of the good news. The cross-stamped pulpit is empty because the preacher steps forth to meet the congregants on holy ground. His jacket’s white. His red tie in flight. His brown skin within, without, as he shouts in whispers or with his resonant voice. There is something about this holy stretch, this kingdom reach to ask “thy will be done…thy kingdom come…” No strong army can ever reach the pinnacle of strength that a few mighty saints with arms wide or face low, with the mighty-Spirit wind, with the songs of old, can reach. The Commander of their army hears the free will choice of ask and receive. As they bow to the King of kings, He reaches down and will gift them many things, abundantly. The quiver-full worship, of this church of peace and love, scares the demons, causes them to fall to shadowless depths. When the saints go marching home, the exercise having done them good, magnified to those in their lives - their faces at peace, bold with grace, blessed beyond belief - their friends and family take notice some with scorn but most with wonderment. They want what she’s or he’s got. Will they enter into the faith? Step over the line and see what is on the other side… Joshua says, “choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15) Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. (Psalm 91:1)