Ever since I read Desiring God,I have been a John Piper fan. Further readings of 
works like The Pleasures of God, A Godward Life, Don’t Waste Your Life, Seeing and Savoring Jesus Christ have intensified my respect.
I have also listened to John Piper speak – both in person and on tape. More respect. I love his passion and his intellect. His heart and mind inspire me to greater depths in both.
John Piper also writes poetry.
Honestly, I have never been a big fan of poetry. I am an analytical engineer type who reads fast and consequently struggles to read poetry. I just can’t seem to get the right rhythm. (Isn’t it called meter? Hopefully I got that right and my high school English teacher, Mrs. Heavrin, would be smiling.)I also struggle to figure out what the poet is saying.
My son sent me a recent poem by Piper titled The Book of Life. Because of my respect for Piper, not my love for poetry, I read it. Glad I did. Even now have read it three times.
Here is my favorite part:
And so you ask, “How may I know
My name is in the Book?
May I beseech my God to show
The page where I may look?”
No. None may peer within by prayer,
Nor if he wait, or strive.
You know your name is written there,
Because you are alive.
Rejoice, my child, all heaven sings
When you make demons fall.
And yet to be inscribed with kings
In heav’n surpasses all.
Whether you like poetry or not, check out the rest of the poem. It will stir your heart.
