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The Prophet and the Preacher

Brother Thomas was a preacher 
Who knew the scriptures well.
He asked people to follow him, 
And he'd save them from Hell.

One night while he was working late,
A man entered the church.
Brother Tom thought He was homeless,
Or on some kind of search.

The man was welcomed to the church,
A smile lit up Tom's face.
He said, if you seek salvation,
You've come to the right place.

This temple of God is Holy,
And I minister His word.
If you put your soul in my hands,
It will soar like a bird!

Those questions you've been burdened with,
Will prove a simple task.
I hold degrees in all of this,
You only have to ask.

But the man just starred right through him,
And then began to pray.
He said, "did I hear correctly,
In what I heard you say?"

"You have called this temple ‘Holy’,
Yet only God is so.
And you say you have the answers
That lost lambs need to know."

"Those degrees you so proudly wave
Were earned in schools of man.
But the heart was our Lord's classroom,
Since man's journey began."

"You claim to know what is the truth,
While pushing God aside.
And those, with whom you disagree,
You censor or deride."

"To follow the road to Heaven
A soul must walk alone.
How can you say you know my path,
When you don't know your own?"

Brother Thomas became angry,
Demanding that He leave.
You cannot come into my house
Intending to deceive!

"As you wish" proclaimed the stranger,
"You've asked me to depart.
But don't forget what I have said,
Let it grow in your heart."

And when He turned to waved goodbye,
Tom spied the stranger's hands.
He saw the scars, and heard Him say;
"Your Father understands."

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