A different kind of family tree - a poem

Background:

In this 11-stanza original poem turned in as an assignment in February 2024 as part of my pursuit of a master's degree in theology, I reflect on Hebrews 11 largely from the interpretation that we are all invited to join a different kind of family tree – a different kind of genealogy or pedigree, one linking us by faith and ultimately by the blood of Christ back through the Old Testament, back to the “Faith of the Ancients,” as this specific chapter/pericope is titled. I end with the universal call by Vatican II that all the faithful are called to be priests, prophets, and kings.

I chose to incorporate a rhyming scheme which follows an ABBA pattern, meaning that the first and fourth lines in each stanza rhyme, while the two lines sandwiched in the middle follow their own rhyming pattern. In my research and thought process for determining rhyming words, I relied heavily on the reference tool available at Rhyme Zone (https://www.rhymezone.com), as well as on occasional Google searches for synonyms.

“A different kind of family tree”

Inspired largely by Hebrews 11 – “Faith of the Ancients”

Aaron S. Robertson

You’re invited to be a part of this,
A different kind of family tree,
One truly as wide and adventurous as the sea,
An invite you surely don’t want to miss.

All are welcomed to join this one,
A family not necessarily all tied by blood,
It may sound strange, but it’s one united by a flood,
Come to believe in the Word, and it is done.

That comment about blood we’ll come back to a little later,
Because we do in fact all share that common link,
It was shed by the One on the cross who would save us from the brink,
By He whom on this entire earth no one can ever be greater.

An open invite to join along and receive immense grace,
He wants this for you, the question is will you say, “yes,”
You were born for greatness, so do not settle for anything less,
All your offenses and mistakes our common Father will erase.

Like all families, this one has bickering and many a fight,
All the emotions are surely here,
Joy, confusion, anger, sorrow, and fear,
There’s plenty of darkness but in the end even greater light.

Joining this lineage guarantees an audacious quest,
With the help of this your family you’ll defeat the abyss,
So that in the end you’ll know nothing but lifegiving bliss,
After all the tribulation a beautiful and eternal rest.

At times you’ll wonder how you’ll ever cope,
But do your homework as would any good sleuth,
And you’ll find here that you’re on the path to enlightened truth,
In all the trying moments, you’ll be washed over by hope.

This family already has a known beginning and end,
Wrapped in the warmth of a different kind of sun (Son),
Indeed, by He who is the promised one,
Our Father, our provider, our Savior, and our friend.

You’ll come to realize that this family is the best,
So many to look up to and emulate,
They’ll help you keep on the narrow and straight,
With their help and the mercy of our God you’ll always be blessed.

At times, you’ll suffer immensely as you walk along desert sand,
But cling to your faith on this difficult trek,
Though at times it will feel like you’re headed toward a horrible wreck,
Indeed, your destination is His promised land.

With this kind of faith, through Him you can do all things,
Mountains can move, hardened hearts softened, and walls torn down,
Martyrdom for Him, if necessary, will result in an eternal crown,
In the end, we’re all called to be priests, prophets, and kings.

Joy in Philippians

Aaron S. Robertson

When it comes to the overall theme of joy in Philippians, 4:6-7 really resonates for me as it relates to my own return to, and understanding of, the faith: "Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."

What greater joy can there ever be once we truly make that connection with God while still in this life? What greater joy can there ever be than truly experiencing the reality of God? Than knowing that God is in our lives, He wants to be in our lives, and He wants us to share in His life? Than knowing with absolute conviction that this life isn't all there is? That something far, far more beautiful beyond our limited comprehension awaits us, if only we give it an honest chance by trying to meet God halfway and allow Him to do the rest? I've been so wonderfully blessed to make this connection with this reality, and, indeed, there is a peace residing in my mind and deep within my heart now that cannot be explained by anything in this world.

Paul's words in Philippians 4:6-7 also remind me of Andrew's reaction portrayed in season 1, episode 4, of The Chosen, once he has met and recognized the Savior. In describing his encounter with Jesus to his brother, a skeptical and stubborn Simon Peter, the sheer joy reflected on Andrew's face and in his words really resonate. While Simon Peter is too focused on what he feels are bigger issues at that moment, Andrew, filled with joy, is trying to tell him that none of it matters.

Suffering in 2 Corinthians

Aaron S. Robertson

Paul states in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and God of all encouragement, who encourages us in our every affliction, so that we may be able to encourage those who are in any affliction with the encouragement with which we ourselves are encouraged by God."

This passage, I believe, does a wonderful job of succinctly explaining how we are each to unite our own suffering to the suffering of Christ and to one another. The passage brings the theme of suffering full circle in that our Father is always there to encourage and console us in our every struggle. In turn, as our Father is always there for us, we are able, and indeed expected, to be a source of comfort and understanding to others in their own sets of circumstances. Suffering helps each of us grow in virtue. It helps us not only to cling to God as individuals in our own unique time of need, but it also strengthens our bonds with our fellow brothers and sisters in God by helping us relate to what others are going through. As our Father shows mercy, compassion, and encouragement to each one of us, we are, in turn, equipped to do the same for others.

Paul closes the loop to this full circle in the next two verses, 2 Corinthians 1:5-6, when he writes, "For as Christ's sufferings overflow to us, so through Christ does our encouragement also overflow. If we are afflicted, it is for your encouragement and salvation; if we are encouraged, it is for your encouragement, which enables you to endure the same sufferings that we suffer."

In short, suffering brings us closer to God and to one another as fellow human beings; as fellow children of our Father adopted through Christ. One can easily see how this all ultimately relates back to our commandment to love one another - to will the best for each other.