Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: Purple (11/05/09)
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TITLE: A WOMAN OF CLASS LIVED IN TYRE | Previous Challenge Entry
By Mariane Holbrook
11/12/09 -
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Meeting up with some dear saints of old.
I’d spent countless hours at my precious Lord’s side
As we strolled down the streets of pure gold.
I’d asked to meet Lydia of whom it was said,
“God opened her heart to His voice.”
Her response was so quick to the gospel of Christ
That it made all of heaven rejoice.
We sat by the river, exchanged pleasantries;
Unhurried, we soon became friends.
She told me of going to hear Paul preach one day
And of Jesus’ great power to cleanse.
She gave me a piece of exquisite, fine cloth
(She’d sold purple fabric on earth).
So priceless this fabric that only the rich
Could afford to pay what it was worth.
Twelve thousand small Murex shells had to be crushed
To produce 1.5 grams of dye;
So precious was this purple dye with the rich
That the emperor decreed who could buy.
Royalty wore just as much of the cloth
As they deemed it was fitting to wear.
Patricians could wear only headbands, ‘twas said,
But the Plebians would not even dare.
Lydia had once been a merchant in Tyre
Selling cloth to feed those in her care.
Highly respected, ‘twas easy to see
Why the Lord could use her anywhere.
She opened her heart to receive all God planned
And opened her home to God’s men.
She blessed all God’s children, so needy and worn,
And she did it again and again.
I asked my new friend if she missed selling cloth
And she nodded and smiled and said “Yes!”
But then she surprised me with wonderful news,
“Twas a real shock I quickly confess.
“The Lord summoned me to his office one day
And He told me of plans being made
To celebrate publicly all martyred souls
And to lead them all in a parade.
“God wants all in heaven to wear purple robes
On that day God pays tribute to men
Who gave up their lives for the cause of hIS Son.
He said, 'Here’s how you will fit in my plan.
“ 'You will be in full charge of the dyeing of cloth
And instructing the seamstresses, too.
The entire project is under your name
And this honor is long overdue.'”
My dream was now over, I faced a new day,
But I had one more reason to go
To that wonderful place where I’ll see Jesus’ face:
My new friend will be waiting, I know.
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