He Stood with a Plumb Line

*** Revised Common Lectionary *** Lectionary Reading: Amos 7:7-15 CLASSIC POEM: He Stood with a Plumb Line William Bryant Over Jerusalem’s ramparts Tekoa’s herdsman saw The shadow of God’s almighty hand, With the symbol of perfect law; His right hand upheld the plumb line, Which measures each break and flaw. See how he measures the nation– The priests, the prophets, the kings; Where is the grand uprightness Of which the poet sings? Where the simple truthful living — The holy imaginings? He measures each law and tradition, Each custom of home and store; Each habit of field and vineyard, Each dweller on mount and shore — That true, unwavering plumb line Searches each heart to the core. But is Jerusalem only Thus tried by the Lord’s plumb line? Will it find no flaws and bendings In your life, my brother and mine? Is it strange that man should tremble Under this test divine? He tries our civilization, Our boasted customs and laws; He tries all our institutions By a test that reveals all flaws: That shows not only the evils, But unmasks the vital cause. Will our churches bear the plumb line? Are they liberal, pure and true? Are you giving that love to others Which the Lord has given to you? Will my life stand the test that tries me, And searches me through and through? Ah but not nations and churches Alone must endure the test. Am I, and are you, my brother, Giving God our very best? Is our chief desire and longing That other’s through us be blest? O searching and awful plumb line In Thy hand O God of might! Will no one come to the rescue, And make us, like Thee upright? Is there no fountain of cleansing, Where our souls may be made white? Yes! for the God of the plumb line, The God of the awful test, Is the God who pities and saves us — The Father who loves us best; Who removes all our dark transgressions Far as the east from the west. *** This poem is in the public domain, and may be read in a live-streamed worship service. CONTEMPORARY POEM: Plumb Line Mark Wagenaar SNIPPET: The plumber’s flashlight shines on the meniscus of water atop the drain’s face, blank obsidian to full moon in an instant, moon for a drunken cricket to drown in… … [ READ THE FULL POEM ]