Reflections

So George Herbert is probably one of my absolute favorite British Literature writers so far in my studies on the subject.  One of my favorite poems by him is called, "Love."  It so beautifully portrays the repentant sinner and Jesus.

Love bade me welcome. Yet my soul drew back
Guilty of dust and sin.
But quick-eyed Love, observing me grow slack
From my first entrance in,
Drew nearer to me, sweetly questioning,
If I lacked anything.


"A guest," I answered, "worthy to be here."
Love said, "You shall be he."
"I the unkind, ungrateful? Ah, my dear,
I cannot look on Thee!"
Love took my hand, and smiling did reply,
"Who made the eyes but I?"
"Truth Lord, but I have marred them: let my shame
Go where it doth deserve."
"And know you not," says Love, "who bore the blame?"
"My dear, then I will serve."
"You must sit down," says Love, "and taste My meat":
So I did sit and eat.

It's so beautiful.  I love it when the poet asks to be made a guest worthy to sit at the Lord's table.  It's a perfect picture of how much God loves us in spite of how unworthy we are in ourselves; in spite of the mess we've made.  Love beckons us to come.