Carl’s only here because his parents vehemently insist
They hope he’ll be converted by this ‘power’ evangelist:
That he’ll heed Christ’s urgent call, repent, decide.
He won’t. His head’s on straight. This movement has an underside,
Hypocrisy and sham that’s plain to see. How to explain
To these, the willful blind, so smug at being born again.
Though all are ‘Spirit Led’ and speak in tongues, speak prophecy,
Not all are equal. Some stand out and make the claim to be
Much more inspired. This visitor’s been touted in the press
As “renowned Bible scholar”,“father of the faith”, no less,
“Church planter”, “healer”, “author”, “founder of ‘Mission of Praise’.”
And after that, who dares to question anything he says.
At other times Carl’s sat here, watched the farce, amused, aloof,
And wondered at the self deception. Seeing in it proof
That people love delusions. All that babbling, far gone
In ecstasy, eyes showing whites. But where’s the fire that shone
Above each head when strange tongues spoke that day of Pentecost
Theirs is a bogus spirit, manufactured, with truth lost.
Tonight it’s different. All that hype, the guns in this campaign,
Aim straight at him, a sinner, ( all the rest are saved ) to gain
For him God’s mercy and forgiveness, snatch him from the fire.
Tricks copied from the theatre serve to push emotions higher.
He sees the ploys: strings being pulled. Finds reason plays no part.
Until he finds the real Christ he’ll guard both mind and heart.