Christian Art | George Herbert | The Temple | The Church | The Reprisall
George Herbert | The Temple | The Church | The Reprisall
I have consider’d it, and finde
There is no dealing with thy mighty passion:
For though I die for thee, I am behinde;
My sinnes deserve the condemnation.
O make me innocent, that I
May give a disentangled state and free:
And yet thy wounds still my attempts defie,
For by thy death I die for thee.
Ah! was it not enough that thou
By thy eternall glorie didst outgo me?
Couldst thou not griefs sad conquests me allow,
But in all vict’ries overthrow me?
Yet by confession will I come
Into the conquest. Though I can do nought
Against thee, in thee I will overcome
The man, who once against thee fought.
George Herbert | The Temple | The Church | The Reprisall
The poem contemplates the poet’s relationship to Christ’s sacrifice, focusing on themes of inadequacy, grace, and surrender. It opens with the poet’s realization that human efforts cannot ‘deal with’ or match Christ’s ‘mighty passion’, which represents Christ’s intense suffering and ultimate sacrifice. The poet acknowledges that even if he were to die for Christ, he would still ‘lag behind’, as his own sins are deserving of condemnation. This indicates a sense of spiritual and moral inferiority, highlighting a gap between human and divine capacity for sacrifice and atonement.
The poet then asks for innocence, seeking to attain a ‘disentangled state and free’, implying a desire to be unburdened by sin and guilt. This request underscores the poet’s awareness that only through purity can he fully offer himself to Christ. However, the phrase ‘thy wounds still my attempts defy’ suggests that, despite his intentions, the poet’s efforts at achieving spiritual purity fall short in light of Christ’s crucifixion wounds, symbols of a sacrifice beyond what any human could perform. The line ‘For by thy death I die for thee’ reflects a paradox: the poet’s own spiritual redemption or ‘death to sin’ is achieved through Christ’s sacrifice, not through his own actions.
The next stanza introduces a question of balance and fairness in the relationship between the poet and Christ. The poet reflects that Christ’s ‘eternal glory’ already far exceeds human ability, questioning whether Christ’s additional suffering was necessary to secure this redemptive relationship. By stating, ‘Couldst thou not grief’s sad conquests me allow,’ the poet implies a desire for some shared role in the ‘conquest’ of sin and suffering. However, ‘in all victories overthrow me’ reinforces that Christ’s actions surpass any possible human contribution. Christ’s victory, achieved through Christ’s suffering and sacrifice, entirely overshadows human grief and achievements, leaving the poet in a state of awe but also humility.
In the final stanza, the poet accepts his limitations and decides to embrace a different approach—confession and unity with Christ rather than competition. ‘By confession will I come / Into the conquest’ suggests that admission of sin and the need for grace can offer a form of shared victory. The poet acknowledges that he can ‘do nought / Against thee,’ signifying the futility of human opposition or self-reliance in spiritual matters. Yet, he proposes that through uniting with Christ, he can ‘overcome / The man, who once against thee fought.’ Here, the poet’s struggle shifts from one of achieving parity with Christ to overcoming his own sinfulness. This phrase suggests a transformation in which the poet’s confession and surrender to Christ allow him to ‘conquer’ his former self, who had lived in opposition to divine will.
The poem explores the poet’s journey from recognizing his limitations to accepting that redemption requires surrender to Christ’s grace. Rather than emulating Christ’s sacrifice through self-effort, the poet seeks alignment with it, understanding that his role lies in humility, confession, and reliance on Christ’s completed work. The poet’s perceived inability to match Christ’s sacrifice is ultimately reframed as a path to grace, where surrender, not parity, brings unity.
It can be good to consider Pentecost as not having been only a once-in-a-lifetime event of the Church – indeed the birthday of the Church. It can be good to consider a renewal of our lives on the day of Pentecost, and to celebrate as such, just as we and our friends celebrate on our birthdays [ … ]
Luke’s Gospel places the calling of the first disciples after the fame of Jesus has already spread across the region. Simon Peter listens to Jesus’ words, then he experiences the miraculous catch of fish, and then he throws himself down before Jesus, acknowledging his sins and placing his life in Jesus’ hands. This is Simon Peter’s call. He gives away everything he has to follow Jesus [ … ]
Scripture: John 14:27 ‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.’ In this verse, Jesus offers his peace to his disciples, a peace that is different from what the world provides. This divine peace is deep, abiding, and capable of calming troubled hearts and dispelling fear. It is a peace that surpasses all understanding and is rooted in the presence and promises of Christ. Prayer Dear Jesus, I come before you, seeking your peace in my life. The world around me is filled with chaos and uncertainty, but I know that your peace can calm the storm within my heart. Help me to trust in you more deeply, to rest in your promises, and to feel your presence in every moment. Fill me with your peace that surpasses all understanding, and help me to be a vessel of your peace to those around me. Amen. Personal Reflection What areas of your life are causing you anxiety or fear? How can you invite Jesus’ peace into these areas? Reflect on a time when you experienced Christ’s peace amidst turmoil. Meditation On Prayer And Gospel John 14:27 reveals a profound truth about the nature of Jesus’ peace. Unlike the fleeting and often superficial peace offered by the world, Jesus’ peace is enduring and deeply transformative. This peace is not dependent on external circumstances but is anchored in the character and promises of Christ. As we navigate through life’s challenges, it’s crucial to understand and embrace this divine peace. Jesus’ peace is rooted in his presence. When he says, ‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you,’ Jesus is assuring us of his continual presence. This peace is a gift that flows from his abiding presence in our lives. It is a reminder that we are never alone, no matter what we face. his presence brings comfort and security, allowing us to rest even in the midst of life’s storms. Furthermore, Jesus contrasts his peace with the peace that the world gives. The world’s peace is often conditional and temporary, based on circumstances that can change in an instant. In contrast, Jesus’ peace is steadfast and eternal. It is a peace that reassures us in our deepest fears and anxieties, reminding us that he is in control. This peace transcends our understanding, as it is grounded in the eternal and unchanging nature of God. To experience Jesus’ peace, we must cultivate a relationship with him. This involves spending time in prayer, meditating on his word, and seeking his presence in our daily lives. It also means surrendering our worries and fears to Jesus, trusting that Jesus will provide and protect. As we draw closer to Jesus, his peace fills our hearts and minds, transforming our outlook and calming our spirits. One practical way to embrace Jesus’ peace is through prayer and meditation. By setting aside time each day to be still before the Lord, we create space for his peace to fill us. Reflecting on scriptures like John 14:27 can remind us of his promises and help us focus on his presence. Additionally, practicing gratitude can shift our focus from our worries to the many blessings in our lives, further opening our hearts to his peace. Another aspect of embracing Jesus’ peace is learning to let go of control. Often, our anxiety stems from a desire to control our circumstances. Jesus invites us to trust in his sovereign plan, even when we do not understand it. By surrendering our need for control and placing our trust in Him, we open ourselves to the peace that comes from knowing that He holds all things in his hands. Living in Jesus’ peace also means becoming peacemakers in our relationships and communities. As we experience his peace, we are called to extend that peace to others. This involves forgiving those who have wronged us, seeking reconciliation, and promoting harmony wherever we go. By being agents of his peace, we reflect his love and grace to a world in desperate need of his presence. Prayer Lord Jesus, Your peace is a precious gift that the world cannot give. In times of turmoil and distress, remind me to turn to you. Let your peace guard my heart and mind, dispelling all fear and anxiety. Teach me to trust in your unfailing love and to rest in your promises. Help me to be a peacemaker, sharing your peace with those around me. May your peace reign in my heart, my home, and my relationships. Thank you for your constant presence and the gift of your peace. Amen. Scripture: Matthew 5:9 ‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.’ Blessing May the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ fill your heart and mind, guiding you through every challenge and bringing you comfort and joy. May you rest in his unending peace and share it generously with those around you. Amen.
