The Staff of Moses

*** Revised Common Lectionary *** Lectionary Reading: Numbers 24:4-9 CLASSIC POEM: The Staff of Moses John Dunmore Lang THE STAFF OF MOSES TRANSFORMED INTO A SERPENT WHEN Moses wrought in Pharoah’s land The wonders of the Lord, His staff became at God’s command A serpent on the sward. But we behold just such a scene, Oft as the power of God Transforms the staff on which we lean Into a scourge or rod. Such transformations are designed To teach us where to place Our hopes and with a patient mind To wait the hour of grace. Thus where I cherished many a hope, Full sadly have I quaffed, From disappointment’s bitter cup, The nauseating draught. And where my every hope was gone And all seemed cheerless night, There suddenly around me shone A heart reviving light. So we may also see the rod Its former shape attain, Just as the snake transformed by God Became a staff again. *** This poem is in the public domain, and may be read in a live-streamed worship service. CONTEMPORARY POEM: The Black Snake Mary Oliver Snippet: When the black snake flashed onto the morning road, and the truck could not swerve– death, that is how it happens. Now he lies looped and useless as an old bicycle tire. I stop the car and carry him into the bushes. … [ READ THE FULL POEM ]