Why Didn't They Get It?

Why Didn’t They Get It?
Larry R. Linville

He said the meek would inherit the earth.
The powerful would be powerless.
The lowly would get the best seat.
But two of them requested special seats
One on the left and one on the right.
Why didn’t the disciples get it?

He said to speak kindly to others.
To turn the other cheek.
When they take your coat
Give them your shirt.
Be like small kids
So innocent and pure.
Why didn’t the disciples get it?

He talked of peace so many times.
Violence is to be shunned
Peacemakers are blessed
Enemies are to be forgiven.
Peter drew his knife and sliced the soldiers’ ear.
Why didn’t the disciples get it?

His message still applies today.
We’re busy discussing sin.
Judging others for what they do.
Speaking words he would not say.
Intolerant of those who are different.
Approving those who live in wealth
Who prey upon the poor.
Echoing the belligerent words
Used to justify war.
Abuse this earth God declared good
To satisfy our hunger for pleasures.
We build big churches to hold us in
While keeping others out.
If the disciples looked at us today
Would they ask
Why don’t today’s disciples get it?

© Copyright 2007 Larry Linville (UN: larrylinville at Writing.Com). All rights reserved. Larry Linville has granted Writing.Com, its affiliates and syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work.