A Little Child Will Ask
A little child will ask: "What are they for, these things?" "Air defense," "Calibers," "Wasps"— Are these the seeds war brings?
What will the grown-up uncle say, How confidently will he lie? Why does the soldier in the fray Load bullets ere they die?
By what "sacred" law's decree Can we burn and take a life? Why must the innocent we see Fall to drones in endless strife?
Not a simple question—a thorn! Urgent words we need to speak, Yet the boy, so newly born, Shoots his doubt point-blank, so bleak!
Why do grown hearts turn to stone, Like hunted beasts in flight? They strike and shoot at children's bones, At mothers, fathers—steal their light!
What means the Biblical command In language they can hear?— Don't shoot, but take a stand, And think of what is dear!
Act not as soldiers do, We are no enemies to each other, Live by conscience, tried and true, Live in faith and love, as brother.
We know what lies ahead, One eternal truth remains. But details fill us with such dread— Therein lies all our pains!
Of these very details here I mean to testify, While God in glory drawing near, Our Savior, not our Judge on high!
Take the righteous rails, Think more of one refrain— That the pilgrim never fails To hold Christ's bond in their domain.
He comes to us with certainty, Like lightning in the storm, Then suddenly all shall see Who rises, who takes worm-like form.
Then follows time of lamentation, How can one describe such woe? When all the world's congregation Receives the mark below,
That they might in this life's span Buy, sell, and trade away, And in satanic's plan Walk past conscience every day,
Worship only beast and throne, Or the image that it bears, Lose not what they've known— Faith in God—beyond all cares.
Woe follows upon woe, The count need not be made: A star falls down below When the first seal is obeyed.
From wells emerge dark threats, Darkening the sky's bright face, Dragonflies with human sets Of faces in that place.
Then come the trumpets, plagues, and bowls, God's righteous judgment pure! Are we not afraid for our souls To lose all, and endure?
The world's great requiem mass Waits around the corner near, As does the battle's coming pass— Megiddo's Armageddon here.
And Christ knocks at hearts within, This is eternity drawing nigh. Do you wish to enter in Where lakes of fire never dry?
Hasten to Jesus without delay! Grasp the ancient Cross with might, From the serpent's poisoned way Salvation still shines bright!
With Him in dwelling places fair For those from fire set free, There Christ is! And the Bride is there! A marriage feast for thee.
All precious moments that have been Can in His Word be found, Holy promises within— Let faith in your heart resound.
At Golgotha's foot divine Find peace for your soul's need, Trust in mercy's design And find salvation's seed!