The Risen and the Chosen
By Chudi Okoye
(First draft: Jan 13, 2025)
The tone of the Tanakh tells it all
As do the texts of its varied scrolls
That many had in fact been created
But the Jews were the truly chosen.
The New Testament of Redemption
Suggesting a startling supersession
Insists many more are now called
Though very few will be chosen.
The ‘few’ aren’t merely the Jews
But all who believe that Christ
The ‘Messiah’ and ‘Son of God’
Is the reason and he is risen.
The ones previously chosen
By parochial and patriarchal logic
Who now appear to be frozen
In ancient and prideful delusion,
Still unwilling to accept ‘the Word’,
Are nonetheless tightly embraced
By the flock of the newly chosen
As if they hadn’t been displaced.
The flock of the confused chosen
Bestir and overwork themselves
Using the full might of their nations
The strident force of their passions
Even in the face of tribal atrocities
To serve a tribe now duly replaced
By a compelling new biblical order
Set out in the Testament of Grace.
Indeed, many may be called
But most thereof are thralled.
