The Signature of Jesus

Brendan Manning was a young Christian pastor in Zimbabwe. These words, penned by him, were found in his office shortly after he was martyred for his faith. The first time this poem was read, it was read to a group of theology students at Union College. Seventy-five percent of the students signed up for the position that Brendan Manning had left.

The Signature of Jesus

I'm part of the fellowship of the unashamed.
I have the Holy Spirit's power.
The die has been cast.
I have stepped over the line.
The decision has been made-- I'm a disciple of His.

I won't look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still.
My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, my future is secure.
I'm finished with low living, sight walking, smooth knees,
Colourless dreams, tamed visions, worldly talking,
Cheap giving, and dwarfed goals.

I no longer need prominence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits,
Or popularity.
I don't have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded,
Or rewarded.
I now live by faith, lean on His presence, walk by patience,
Am uplifted by prayer, and I labour with power.

My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven.
My road is narrow, my way rough, my companions few,
My Guide reliable, my mission clear.
I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away,
Turned away, turned back, deluded, or delayed.

I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice,
Hesitate in the presence of the enemy,
Pander at the pool of popularity,
Or meander in the maze of mediocrity.

I won't give up, shut up, let up,
Until I've stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up,
Preached up for the cause of Christ.

I am a disciple of Jesus, I must go till He comes,
Give till I drop, preach all I know,
And work till He stops me.

And when He comes for His own,
He will have no problem recognizing me....
My banner will be clear!