They hung Him high; they stretched him wide;
I was the thief by His side.
Later, He asked: “Will a man rob God?”
With my head, I simply gave a nod.
I bowed in shame as He began to explain,
“Not only am I robbed of tithes and offering –
I am robbed in the lengthy praise they sing.
Where are the daily words of praise?
Why are they only uttered on Sundays?
I gave them my life; my blood did the rest;
But the praise gave me, I truly detest.
By my blood sins are forgiven – lives made new;
What they call praise will never do.”
Hearing His words, I began to cry and wanted to hide;
Are you guilty of being the thief on the other side?
©2020 Laura Benson