Human or Christ's Leadership

When they had come to Calvary
They crucified Him brutally
Criminals right and left of Him
Jesus said, “Father, forgive them

For they don’t know what they’re doing.”
They bet on His clothes, lots strewing
And the people stood looking on
Even the rulers said with scorn

“He’ll save Himself if not a fraud
If He’s the Christ, the chosen of God.”
The soldiers also came and mocked
Giving sour wine they did concoct

“Save Yourself, if You’re the Jews’ King.”
Made a sign in three tongues writing,
Said, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS
A criminal blasphemed his views

“If You’re Christ, save Yourself and us.”
But the other rebuked him thus
“Don’t you fear God, you’re condemned too?
We receive our punishment due

But this Man has done nothing wrong.”
“Recall when kingdom comes along.”
“I tell you, today in this place
You’ll be with Me in Paradise.”

Luke 23:33-43

Don't be Deceived

Then, as some spoke of the temple
Adorned with stones so beautiful
And gifts to God dedicated
With which it was decorated

He said, “These things which you are beholding
The days will soon be unfolding
In which not one stone shall be left
On another, but thrown to rest.”

So they asked Him, saying, “Teacher
When will these things be a feature?
And what sign will there be when these
Things are about to take place please?”

He said: “Take heed you’re not deceived.
In My name heaps will be received
Saying, ‘I’m He,’ and, ‘The time’s near.’
Don’t go after them, when you hear.

When you hear of wars and tumults
Don’t waver; expect such results
But the end won’t come right away.”
And then He had some more to say

“Nation will rise against nation
Also kingdom against kingdom
There will be terrible earthquakes
In various places outbreaks

And famines, plagues and fearful sights
Also great signs from heaven’s heights
Before all these things come to pass
They’ll lay hands on you and harass

In the assemblies and prisons
You’ll be before rulers and kings
For My name’s sake you’ll testify
Don’t plan ahead what you’ll reply

I’ll give you a mouth and wisdom
Foes can’t fight with criticism
You’ll be betrayed by your brothers
By parents, friends and relatives

And they’ll even kill some of you
And for My name’s sake they’ll hate you
You won’t lose a hair on your head
Stand firm and win your life instead.”

Luke 21:5-19

Daylight Savings

Daylight savings, what a crock
Now it's time to change the clock
Not just one of them but all
In the car and on the wall
No, not just one wall but four
And that's just wall clocks, there's more
Bedside table and the stove
Wristwatch in my treasure trove

Is it forwards or backwards?
This whole thing is for the birds
Every six months wasting time
Isn't slavery a crime?
Yet we're all slaves to the clock
Set me free, my chains unlock
Anxiety is mounting
How many clocks? I'm counting

God of the Living

Now there came to Him some Sadducees
Who say that there’s no resurrection
They posed questions for His expertise
A man reaches life’s expiration

He dies childless and Moses taught us
His brother should marry the widow
To raise children for his brother up
Now then seven brothers did ditto

The second and the third married her
And in the same way all seven died
Childless, her death did also occur
Whose is she a resurrection bride

She had been married to all seven
Jesus said marriage is for this age
It’s different in the resurrection
No giving or taking in marriage

For they can’t even die anymore
Because like angels, they’re sons of God
Sons of the resurrection what’s more
The dead are raised, Moses spread abroad

Describing the burning bush he said
Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob’s God
He’s God of the living not the dead
For all live to Him, so said our Lord

Luke 20:27-38

Repentance of a Con Man

When Jesus entered Jericho
There was a man named Zacchaeus
A rich man came to see the show
Tried to get a look at Jesus

Too short to see over the crush
He climbed a tree beside the street
Jesus was coming, better rush
He looked up, Zacchaeus to greet

Jesus called Zacchaeus by name
Quick, come down! I must be your guest
Quickly a welcome was proclaimed
He took Jesus home with joy expressed

But displeased, the people grumbled
He’ll be the guest of a sinner
But, Zacchaeus stood and crumbled
The poor, I will now consider

If I’ve cheated on taxation
I’ll give them back four times as much
To this home has come salvation
A son of Abraham does such

For the Son of Man paid the cost
To seek and save those who are lost

Luke 19:1-10

The Evil King

There used to be an evil king
Who had nothing but lies to bring
He praised dictators of the world
Friendships with good kings unraveled
He didn't care for the nation
But loved to receive ovation
And then came the end of his reign
He had no friends left, that was plain

The One in Ten

As Jesus entered a small town

Ten lepers just hanging around

Said, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!”

“Go show yourselves to the priests” thus

They were cleansed while they were going

But one returned overflowing

“Praise God!” he shouted to Jesus

And thanked Him for the catharsis

That man was a Samaritan

Christ asked, “Didn’t I heal ten men?”

And then, “Where are the other nine?”

None but a foreigner in line?

And Jesus said, “Stand up and go.”

And He said, “Your faith has saved you.”

Luke 17:11-19

Honesty

My Dad believed in honesty
A trait that's not found commonly
His clients knew his constancy
And so they came back faithfully

When I hear of a company
Known for its dishonesty
Or leaders lying constantly
I think of my Dad's policy

Liars have no authority
And truth may seem an oddity
But lies destroys a dynasty
And truth brings us to sanity

Putting Faith to Work

5 The apostles said to the Lord
“Add to us faith.”
6 Then said the Lord
“If mustard seed size is your faith
You could tell this sycamore tree
‘Be pulled up and set in the sea’
It would listen to you and heed”

7 “When a farmhand comes from the lea
From plowing or tending sheep
Does the boss say, ‘Come eat with me’?
8 When his job is a meal complete
No, he says, ‘Cook me up some meat
Then, serve me while I drink and eat.
Later on, you can take a seat.’

9 “And does the boss praise the hired hand
Who does just the least by command?
10 Of course not! In the same way
When you obey me you should say,
‘We’re unprofitable servants
[Undeserving and worthless]
Who’ve just done minimal service.’”

Luke 17:5-10

Homesick for Far Away

When I'm home in America
I surely miss Australia
Though the hills of Appalachia
Are covered in hydrangea
I miss the sound of the magpie
As he swoops down from up on high

When I'm home in Australia
I surely miss America
Though peace and safety here is great
And everybody is your mate
I miss the forests and farmlands
And the never ending grasslands