Rooted and Grounded

YITRO
Based on Parashah Yitro, Exodus 18:1-20:23

Behold my bride!
She may not be pure
but she has come to Me
at the mountain
in the wilderness

She has placed herself
under my authority
yielding herself to Me
accepting My work of redemption
on her behalf

Tho’ I’ve freed her from bondage
she still thinks like a slave
afraid, unsure
misguided and unclean
she shivers, huddled before me

But I see her beauty
hidden beneath the layers
of Egyptian mud and sand
I sense her heart races at the
thought of Me
My mighty acts fresh in her mind

How I love her!
I will covenant Myself to her
My covenant love will keep her

I’m not naive about her
stubborn heart and wandering eye
But rather My kindness will
lead her to repentance
My steadfast love will win her over
I am her beloved and she is mine!

***
Beloved One!
I am so grateful
You came to rescue me
my enemy was too strong for me

You are beautiful, my beloved
You opened the doors of my prison
You set me free
You brought me here
Your mighty acts
take my breath away
my heart is racing at your closeness
my neck and cheeks warm
I’m expose and vulnerable before You

Great are You!
I pledge myself to You!

My face is dirty and my hair matted
What commends me to You?
My captors violated me
repeatedly, relentlessly
I have nothing to offer
all has been spoiled
my youth is also gone
What commends me to You?

I understand my attraction to You
My deliverer!
Mighty Warrior!
My hiding place
My shalom
I know why I need You
but why would you want me
there are so many more fair
and you are a King
You could have your pick
as many as You desire
Who am I?

* * *

Beloved!
I have chosen you
and groomed you
and prepared you
for this day,
our betrothal

This is the day Your Father Abraham
looked toward but never saw
I did not choose you based on
what men value

No, I am able to take such
at my whim should I desire them
the earth and its fullness are mine
I have no appetite for such
I long for deep, abiding connection
exclusivity, intimacy and covenant
I desire marriage, sweet Ysra’el
you are to become my covenant wife
you stand before Me
and this mountain–this day

I will speak life
provision
homeland
future
hope
blessing
treasure
over you

We will covenant
And our covenant will have no end.

Mary Beth
2/14/2023