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Vexation
The dictionary defines "vexed" as "annoyed, perplexed, or to bring suffering to." But the Greek word used in the original text of the Scripture below, is the word "basanizo", which means something a little different. Although one of its definitions is "to torment or cause pain", it also means, "a touchstone used to test the purity of gold and other metals," or "to struggle at sea with a head wind."
"And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked: (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;)" 2Peter 2:7-8 King James' Version.
The Vexation of "Old Glory," by Denny Lancaster
My fellow citizen, clothing and shelter were given in your hour of need and you returned scorn and ridicule. Your brothers answered my call to protect our children from domination and evil and you continued your life style in comfort with but a scant thought of their sacrifice. Our daughters cried when you turned those less fortunate from our shores who sought safety and refuge.
Where did I go wrong in your upbringing?
Huddled masses gathered compassion from the old ones in our midst who too had suffered from neglect and want, but you envied them for they were not of your upbringing and nationality. Soon their tireless energy and sense of family brought them from the depths of poverty and they gained material wealth. You sought to take their meager earnings and dwellings to foster your attitude of power and domination. Again our daughters cried.
Where did I go wrong in your upbringing?
You fell into a deep dream one sullen summer day. The dream you dreamed was one of the bottomless pit and you traveled there through the shadow of death. Now you feel the pain of those you scorned, the hunger of those you did not feed and the pain of those who died so that you may live.
You will awake from this horrible dream to become a better person, clad in the armor of salvation, bathed in the glory of compassion, with a heart that shall know no unforgiving and eyes that will see a greater glory in giving of yourself and your wealth.
You will awake for there are those of us who shall speak of these vexations, give example when "Old Glory" waves her gentle arms in the wind to signal our freedom, salute when she passes by in parade or stands tall on a flag staff and write. Yes, write! For words clearly written speak of acts which can be performed by all of us during the natural course of our existence on mother earth.
Where did you go wrong?
By not listening to the old ones who would soon pass from this earth, dispelling history as a mindless venture of study, not heeding lessons from our past and pursuing material things, not knowing that true wealth is not material for it is in our heart.
What did we do wrong?
We did not listen to the wind blowing through the waves of the soft cloth which bore the strips. We did not see the light from the stars which could have lit our way. We did not hear the crying of our daughters. And we did not hear the songs and prayers of our sons in death.
Signed, "Old Glory."