THE RICH MAN AND THE BEGGAR
Paintinig
A rich man came to Jesus, who was good and true,
He asked the Master, “What more should I do
To follow in your footsteps, be a follower too?”
Jesus must have looked at him right through,
Deep down into his heart and smiled and said,
“Sell all thou hast and give all the to poor
Follow me and your salvation shall be sure.”
But the man had so many riches, abundance
In store, then at a beggar he did give a glance,
And maybe fear, or maybe it was greed or pride
That forced him from the dear Saviour to hide.
I can see three different faces as this tale is told,
Each one filled with longing, wanting love to behold,
The beggar in rags, eyes filled with hope and expectancy,
A haggard look and skeletal form, begging hungrily.
Then the rich man clothed in silk and gold brocade
His face torn ‘twixt wealth and giving others aide.
Then the face of the Master, full of pure charity.
How He must have hurt when the rich man could not be
Parted from his wealth, for he was a good man you see,
But earthly treasures more important than things heavenly.

M Ann Margetson © November 5, 2000

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