Withered Hand

By Gerald S. Sumeracki

The temple crowd was large that day
When Christ was there to teach
All Scribes and Priests and Pharisees
Prepared to test His speech.

The Lord did stir those there to hear
With His new way of thought
As told He them who tested Him
"Man's way to God's not bought."

"Stop putting weights and rules on those
"Who bear life's pain and grief
"Your main concern is for yourself
"Stop acting like a thief."

Their anger for this righteous talk
Grew greater by the hour
They looked for cause to shame this man
Through all their wicked power.

One of the crowd with withered hand
The Lord did seek to mend
"Not on the Sabbath," priests replied
"For this the Law won't bend."

"This Law be your's not God's," Christ said
"Your soul's can't see what's right
"For day of week means naught to God
To manifest His might."

So cured He him with withered hand
And therby gave them cause
Said Scribes and Priests and Pharasees
"He's broken Sabbath Laws!"

And so this Man from that day on
Kept doing what God willed
Till hung they Him upon a cross
God's sinless One they killed.