Untying Knots - Tim Knipp (Daniel in Exile series)

Words of warning
ignored.
A king, debauched
and leading his followers
to degrade
holy vessels.

Hedonism.
Narcissism.
Mockery and insult.

Knees crash together,
the king pales and 
his insides knot
in the presence 
of a holy hand
writing on the wall.

Daniel is bribed
to read the warning
and boldly speaks:
"You have been warned
but dishonored
Almighty God.
God says, 
'Your kingship
is done.' "

Heaven holds its breath
to see if the warning
will turn the heart
of the king
but 
it does not.

Our Father's words
of warning
are lovingly meant.
He so desires
to untie
the knots we've
twisted into our souls
if we will only turn
and seek Him.
Loving warnings,
gentle cautions
to guide us back
to Him.
What hard words
do I need to hear
today?

God likewise calls us 
to speak
hard words
to a broken world.
To say,
"this is not right"
when God's priceless
image bearers
are mocked
and insulted.
Name the knot 
of injustice
and work
to untie it.
Channel Daniel's 
spirit
to boldly speak
and act
in our
Father's name.