Gathering to Their Hurt

Misrepresentation


They come here by habit

And smile the right way

And pause as they honour

The Lord’s Sabbath Day.

Yes, pause, from a schedule

That seems quite removed

From meekness and mercy

The things that He loved.

And quick, shake the hand

And guide to a seat

As music is starting

A smart lively beat.

With words full of victory

And treasures to win.

No mention of reverence

Of testing, of sin.

Announcements to follow

Of programs galore.

It seems every interest

Has something in store.

And plates passed around

To fatten the till

While building plans beckon

The thirsty thirst still.

And finally a message

Of humour and art

And life illustration

But where is God’s heart?

They’ve missed it

In all the mechanics and rush

The Blood of the Lamb

The Spirit’s love push.

Worship Experience


“Having a worship experience”.

Yes that’s what the praise leader said.

And true there was song and agreement

From those who had come here half-dead.



The instruments artfully joining

To pluck at each singer’s heartstrings,

And soon there were tears and hand-raising.

“Oh listen, the Bride of Christ sings!”



And each celebrant felt a presence

To talk about after that night.

They “got” something truly “anointed”

But did they “give ” praises aright?



For worship is all about giving

Our Lord must receive blessing first

From hearts pouring out adoration

And quenching a righteousness thirst.



And if there are tears, it’s the Spirit

Accepting a sacrifice rare

And having His way with the music

And moving through those gathered there.

Burden of Zechariah


I have borne

With their starch

And their sad, stiff rebellion

I have watched

As they mimicked

All the godless around.

Yet I say,

Now’s the time

To descend to their rescue

And to lift

As my Spirit

Of grace now is found.

They will weep

As they see

It was I they had wounded

They will weep

With new eyes

As they own now their sin.

But the fountain

Has come to

Remove all uncleanness

Yes, the fountain

Of grace

‘Tis their joy to dive in.