On March 15, folk musician Barry Luft and I shared the “Word” with our worshipping community. The catalyst for the reflection was a Bob Franke song entitled “Bethany.” I was inspired to write a poem. Many commented on the service and requested copies of the song and poem. They follow below, but let’s throw in a little Bible for your reading pleasure and reflection.

The village of Bethany was a pivotal place for the life and ministry of Jesus. The biblical references are:

Matthew 21:1-8 (Mark 11:1-14 and Luke 19:29-40) Jesus spent the night in Bethany after the “cleansing of the Temple.”
Matthew 26:6-13 Jesus is in the home of Simon the Leper, and Mary anoints Jesus with a “very costly ointment.”
Luke 24:50-53 The risen Christ ascends into heaven.
John 11:1-44 Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead.
John 12:1-8 Mary anoints Jesus’ feet and wipes them with her hair.

The words to the Bob Franke song (words in bold are repeated throughout):

Mary and Martha Sweet and sour
O Lord, workin’ up the back stretch
Weep by the minute and work by the hour
O Lord, on that summer’s day.

Pool little Lazarus sad and blue
God only know what that boy’s been though

Streets of Bethany chilly at night
Nothing’s gonna stop that Gospel Light

Sometimes I work, sometimes I fight
Nothin’s gonna stop that Gospel Light

Sometimes I work, sometimes I rest
Mary done chose the part that’s best

Jesus come a’rollin’ like a rainy day
Jesus gonna cool my troubles away

Walk on the water till I reach that man
O sweet Jesus won’t take you take my hand

Jesus come a’rollin’ like a rollin’ cloud
Face of a friend and the touch of God (© Bob Franke)

“Bethany Bustle” © poem by Tom Melvin
Jesus came to Bethany
Knowing well his destiny.

At Bethany Mary sat
While listening quietly.

And Martha prepared the meal
Certainly the better deal.