“Gennesaret” and ​“Withdraw”

Introductory Note:

Drew Jackson’s God Speaks Through Wombs is a collection of poems in conversation with the first eight chapters of Luke. In his introduction to the book, Drew writes:

“A poem invites us to slow down—in fact, it demands it—and it serves as a ‘gesture toward home,’ as the poet Jericho Brown says, welcoming us to return to our true dwelling place.”

The two poems we share with you here come from Drew’s chapter on Luke 5. (You may want to read all of Luke 5 first, and then hone in on the specific verses that accompany each title.)

Notice how the poems draw you into the scenery viscerally. What elements come into focus for you?

I have found that reading Drew’s poetry sharpens my longing for good news and my attraction to the Holy One. Drew, like Luke, honors those who have been oppressed or cast aside. His poems tenderize my heart towards the world’s great need for a Savior and Redeemer who will form a human family that is learning to love and serve one another rather than malign, oppress, and annihilate.

I hope you will be moved by Drew’s “word chemistry,” to borrow a phrase from this week’s podcast guest, Marilyn McEntyre. Let these poems draw you to your dwelling place in God’s company.

Grace Pouch
Content Manager