“The Van” (Is.2:4; 35:3; 40:31; Rom.12:20; Matt.10:41; 5:14-16; 8:3; 6:13; Lk.10:25-37) [Reflections on Ralph D. Sawyer's Translation of One Hundred Unorthodox Strategies - Battle Tactics of Chinese Warfare – #4]
The “Van” out front, addresses back,
By building up resolve they lack,
But also quashing “Awesomeness”
Of foe in all their battle dress.That’s one thing I’d not factored in
But Fox’s Book Of Martyrs brings
Effect to us in our sad hour –
Such inspiration boosts our power.Five units of of five types of men
Make up a Vanguard one can send –
Type I – the strong with courage-flair;
Type II – with heebie-jeebies tear –Into the fray to demonstrate
Their loyalty, courageous state;
Type III – are climbers, nimble, fleet,
Who seem more like the mountain sheep.Officials of the King now lost,
Who merit show despite the cost,
Make Unit IV; retreating types
Who fled their posts by day or night –Make Unit V of forward Van –
Elite indeed who show they can
“Leap over buildings, single bound” –
Good “Superman” to have around.The “Van” is just one section – there
Are chariots, and horsemen (tear
Along, their courage flaunting, wild);
Assaulting wave-attacks in style.Lord, as I hear these separate roles,
And opportunities for those
In service to their Lord and King –
I thank You, for it vision brings –Of legions swarming on some scene,
In whom such quiet strength is seen
Effecting love in all its forms,
Impacting hearts of steel – which warms –Them ’till they’re pliable once more;
Shape plowshares from their tools of war;
Inspiring in so many ways
The timid ones, behind, who play –Important roles as well – give cups
Of water cooled to those dried up
Inside their hearts, abused and torn
From day when they on earth were born.I think of Ridley on the pyre,
Whom Latimer with words inspired,
But even more, down through the age
Inspired our hearts, our fears assuaged.For people aren’t the foes – indeed,
Its powers and principalities
Which cause such havoc, lead astray
With awesomeness, who, boosting play –Upon our insecurities,
Our fears, built-in desires to please,
Our greed, and lust for power to wield;
In face of awesomeness, we yield.So Lord, indeed a “Van” is good,
For we are weak of heart – Your food
Of daily bread in human form,
Helps us rise up, and face the storm.Thanks Lord for this.
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