I went to church with my father today ... But, I guess (as it happens sometimes), Those gathered to worship just could not convey, They lived as bright as bell chimes. I heard someone snicker, and point to our dress ... Another said, "Look at their hair!" I felt my Dad's Arms, in Loving Caress About me. He said, "I still Care!" While drying my eyes, I looked up to see A woman of means sitting there. Her eyes held distain: she looked down on me, Then arose, to move from her chair. I glanced at my Father. He patted my hand. A tear then rolled down His Sweet Face. I cried, "Oh! My Daddy! Let's go to our Land! Then You needn't cry in disgrace!" But ... the Saints were about the begging of gifts ... We had but a penny to give. I heard all abut us the gasps and the sniffs: A whisper said, "How do they live?" And how can they walk in this temple so fair, With clothes barely clean, and so worn? How can they come and have nothing to share? Why -His Head's not properly shorn!" I looked at my Father. His Head was bent low ... His Gold Locks a tumbled array. He was weeping again. Oh! Didn't they know? Even kind words can go astray! The service was ended. The crowd rose to flee: The Sabbath's their busiest day. Someones iced words said, "You must come to tea!", But -they couldn't be certain what day. A false-smiling mouth said, "What pleasure, I'm sure, To meet you: a quaint, simple man. We don't often get the plain and obscure ... Sandles yet. My! And rattan! Well, do be at home! I'm sure you'll conform ... The people who come always do!" My Father so quietly said,"I Transform." His Clear Eyes then pierced them right through. Shocked at the stirrings within, they soon left, Exclaiming as they walked away, "A pity, I think, the child can't be reft, From all that disgusting display Of Love and Compassion! How can it grow, To become independent and strong? What will enable HIS children to know How to 'fit in' ... to 'belong'?" We watched as they left. My Dad Breathed a Sigh ... The pastor came up from behind. "Well! Someone said we've a carpenter nigh ... Guess jobs are whatever you find!" He walked out the door. I looked at my Dad: My tears would soon again flow. How could they consistantly make Him so sad? And ...why didn't we turn to go??? I Cherish my Father ... times with Him ... alone! I long to erase all HIS pain! I reached out, to put my hands in His own ... I'm His Child ... our Hearts are the same! But, there -on the altar- with head bent so low, One sinner cried out in disgrace, "Oh, Father! Forgive me! I've nothing to show, But contemptable Sin to erase! Can you forgive me? And -is there relief?? I really don't quite understand!" My Father addressed him, "Peace, to your grief ..." And then Kindly Extended His Hand. "Oh, Dad! How I Love You!" My hands enfolded His Face: The Saved One still clung to His Hand ... He questioned, "Who is this, Whose Touch Heals by Grace?" I softly said, "This is The Lamb!"
© Diana Lynn Tritch June 5, 1987 "...Behold! The Lamb of GOD, which taketh away the Sin of the world!!!" John 1:29 ...KJV  
Background from the works of Danny Richard Hahlbohm at ... 
"Behold ... The Lamb" image above courtesy of The Banner Generator |