THE GATHERED

Many boasted about the rules they defied

Gladly bragged that God would be glorified

Enraged by the thought of remaining inside

Now, no one dares speak of the reason they died

They laughed in the face of caution and sense

What is there to be said now in their defense?

Lies and excuses will cover the shame

"Underlying causes" will bear the blame

Others defied, too; adhered to their word

Gathered willfully, based on the message they heard

And now that the messenger's no longer here

No longer pitting faith against fear

No longer tempting science and fate

So many are sorry, but now it's too late

Perhaps it's time to explore how religion

Impacts whether wisdom impacts our decision

To blindly follow, and reject discernment

Then, somehow rejoice of untimely internment

Oh, when will we cease this great worship of men

Whose actions remind us all over again

That even good men can be horribly wrong

Leading gullible souls where they do not belong

Like Saul, many tell God, "I did it for you!"

"For your glory, I sought to fill every pew

To show the world there's nothing that you can't do"

But God says, My Son died so you don't have to.

You don't have to defend me; I swear by my Word

Your thought that my rep needs your help, is absurd

Obedience will always eclipse sacrifice

Wisdom dictates you heed expert advice

Stay at home until this trouble subsides

Search your heart, where greed and pride may abide

Make sure your motives to gather are true

Think about everyone who is following you

Ensure that they still have a leader, instead

It's impossible to gather tithes from the dead

VRWc2020