Leaving the Soft Bed Behind

Leaving the soft bed behind And all that once seemed secure, On foot, through distant lands to find, A man walked dusty roads obscure.

And often beneath heaven's tent He greeted dawn and dusk's embrace. The Christ who was crucified went To resurrection's destined place.

And he became His herald true, Sent forth with God's commission clear. To tell what all the world must know: Through Golgotha—salvation's sphere.

Once all was vastly different here. They called him Saul in those dark years. He was to Christians a deadly fear, And put them to death—their tears.

But God beholds the human heart. Before Him, all souls are laid bare. He knew this Pharisee would start To be devoted to His care.

That he would serve the Lord with zeal, Benjamin's tribe through him made whole. That through Paul's hands, faith's appeal Would set the pagans free—their soul.

Corinth, Galatia, Ephesus fair, Great cities, towns, and villages small. He bore his apostolic cross there And brought the gospel unto all.

He could not live his life concealed, Beheaded under Nero's reign. Yet as a Roman citizen sealed, In Rome itself they let him remain.

We Christians—you and I—are blessed: The fruit of apostolic quest...