For a man devout as he,
Saul of Tarsus, pharisee,
His fire must be fought with fire.
'Tis evident that you require
A man to meet you in the end,
And if a man must thus unbend
Along the old Damascus way
You meet him there and bid him stay.
A man so wise, insistent, learned,
Who with supreme influence burns
Must be faced with equal means,
Be convinced of what he's seen.
A soul who wanders all unsure
Is a soul who needs your cure
But requires less a blinding light,
Will less likely pose a fight.
Each man must hear you call his name;
The Damascus road, for all the same.
But you meet the meek in gentle voice
Give the adamant a choice,
Reveal yourself to those who need
In a voice each different man will heed.
postscript
Written while reading Walter Wangerin's novel "Paul." That novel is amazing; go read it. This poem is a reflection on how God seeks us out when we don't seek him, but does it according to our own personality. Some need more prodding, others are poised, ready to hear. And he uses words each different person will best respond to. Just because he loves us.