Re-Bound

The Book was worn and tattered,

Its pages stained and torn,

The binding that had held it tight

By time and use was shorn.

For many years the Truth it told

With e’er a ready voice,

To warm a heart or feed a soul,

Or guide one with a choice.

Its presence beckoned sinners

To repent of wicked ways,

Its message offered hope and drew

Them to the Throne of Grace.

Now stained with marks and tears,

The faithful Bible lay

Alone and nigh forgotten where

The fragile treasures stay.

But then one day the faded dust

Was gently brushed away,

And caring hands reached down and took

The old Book, weak and frayed.

With tenderest touch and loving hand

The master craftsman worked,

Until a new and shining prize

Sat fresh without one quirk.

Each age-old page was crisp and strong,

Each scar was polished through,

The cover that had seen the years

Appeared as though brand new.

His body weak and feeble,

His life bore marks of time,

The grey-haired man who’d preached the Word

Now to the end drew nigh.

For years gone by he’d labored

To share the Truth and Light,

In warning of destruction and

Proclaiming good and right.

To many sick and hurting

He’d given hope and cheer,

Always ready day and night

To lift one fallen here.

Now stained with marks and tears,

The faithful preacher lay

Alone and nigh forgotten where

The fragile treasures stay.

But then, one day, the faded dust

Was gently brushed away,

And caring hands reached down and took

The old man, weak and frayed.

With tenderest touch and loving hand

The Master Craftsman changed

The old into a shining prize

That sang in Heavenly range.

Each age-old part now crisp and strong,

Each scar now polished through,

The body that had seen the years

Stands now as though brand new.

Transformed, re-bound, made beautiful—

The Bible and the man,

Just by the gentle, skillful touch

Of the Master Craftsman’s hand.
Copyright © Elisabeth Linzey 2016

Click Here to view the old, rebound Bible