"Rescued"

Just a week ago, our family had the privilege of being a part of a small country church's VBS in Arkansas for the last evening. One of the sessions for the 3rd through 7th grade class was focused on Creation and how dinosaurs came about… and how they disappeared. At the beginning of the lesson they showed a video clip of an old English legend in which St. George rescued a princess from a dragon (dinosaur). According to the version of the legend that we heard, St. George refused any gift, but instead won the whole kingdom to Christ. This inspired a poem Elisabeth wrote this past week. We hope it will be an encouragement and reminder of the great love Christ has for His bride.

"Rescued"

The story is told of a village of old

Inhabited by a king and his realm.

The town was at peace, yet fear did increase

For nearby a fierce dragon would roam.

"To this terrible creature," folks asked the good teacher,

"What offering to subdue should we give?"

"A goat or a lamb, a cow or a ram

Will suffice so the people can live.

But if, after time, such gift is not fine,

A person must go in it's place ~

Kind or wild, noble or child ~

In exchange for the fierce dragon's grace."

So day after day the offering was made,

A lamb was fed to the beast.

Yet as time progressed, the dragon distressed

And his hunger only increased.

A goat, then sow, and finally a cow

Was given in hopes to subdue.

But nought could avail the beast to repel,

A person would have to do.

The lot was cast and as time passed

It fell to one most fair;

The king's own daughter the beast would slaughter,

So the kingdom could be spared.

This sorrowed the king, he tried everything

To spare the princess from death.

No silver or gold, nor treasures he sold

Could deliver his daughter's last breath.

So, one fateful day, a crowed made their way

To the outskirts of the town.

Dressed as a bride the princess, beautified,

Was offered to preserve royal crown.

***

With surge of valor he donned his armor

And mounted his noble steed.

With confidence, through forest dense,

He hastened with all speed.

   He soon caught glimpse, yet never winced

At sight of the dragon fierce.

His courage rose without repose;

Such night as he was scarce.

Then, just before that dragon roared

to lunge at princess fair,

No thought for his life, the knight rushed in to fight;

The princess' life for the spare.

He fought so bravely, never wavering,

Waged war with the savage beast.

Then, finally, in victory,

He won and the dragon ceased. 

"What shall I give thee for this noble deed?"

The king, astonished, asked. 

"No gift I require, but this I desire

That all become Christians at last."

***

Such fable is legend, most likely is fiction,

Yet I couldn't help but apply ~

For deep in my spirit, it seems I can hear it,

As history profoundly replies.

There once was a dragon who roamed near my town

And haunted me day after day.

In vain was the offering of lambs for slaughtering;

But that dragon demanded more pay.

You see, he was Satan, an angry beast fearsome,

My life he sought to destroy.

No jewels or silver, nor wealthiest river

Could rescue my soul from his ploy.

Dressed as a bride I trembled and cried

And followed the road to my death.

This my only choice, and that with great force,

To be scorched by the dragon's hot breath.

But, lo! Ere the dragon had lunged at this pagan

A Knight appeared on the scene!

Not just a knight, but Prince of great light,

Jesus, the King of all kings!

 He fought with great power throughout darkest hour

And conquered sin and the grave.

He took Hell's black keys and won victory!

Yes, this maiden He saved.

Now all that He asks is that I would rest

In His omnipotent grace,

And let my heart sing in praise to my King

While humbly seeking His face.

Copyright © Elisabeth Linzey 2013