TEMPLE TALK

He went into the temple

Where you’d think one could look up

But his attitude was humble,

He saw dregs in his cup.

 

He asked God for mercy;

He beat upon his chest,

Called himself a sinner

(Not better than the rest).

 

He cast his eyes downward,

They sought the lowly ground

But God who measures all things,

The simple, the profound,

 

Liked his honest spirit

Heard his call and cry

Knew he meant his temple-talk,

Knew it more than “humble pie,”

 

And justified his soul;

He went back to his own place

With a calm in his heart

And heaven’s smile upon his face.

 

Friend, the next time you go to meeting,

The next time you’re in church

Avoid petty piousness,

Avoid the highest perch

 

Look at God, worship Him

And see yourself contrasted

As this man of old did. 

His grace has ever-lasted.  

– eab, May  2000