The Lie and the Lion*

by Lee Simons

A man to Israel once did trod;

He was called “a man of God”.

Through this man, God sent His word;

By wondrous signs, The LORD was heard.

To Israel’s king this man was sent;

No fear no terror could prevent.

The king was shown by withered hand,

God was ruler of the land.

The king believed and turned and said,

“Stay with me and eat my bread.”

To this the man of God replied,

“I will not with thee abide.

For God has said, ‘You must beware,

No bread, no water while you’re there.

Go straight home, and do not stay,

Come back home a different way’”.

The man of God took leave in haste,

Not a moment would he waste.

But when the man of God took rest,

There he failed the simple test.

An older man came up and said,

“Stay with me and eat my bread.”

To this the man of God replied,

“I will not with thee abide.

For God has said, ‘You must beware,

No bread, no water while you’re there.

Go straight home, and do not stay,

Come back home a different way’”.

The older man with wrong intent,

Told a lie, God’s word he bent.

“I’m a prophet, just like you,

Now I tell you what is true.

For God’s angel came and said,

‘You may stay and eat my bread’”.

The man of God was taken in,

By this act committed sin.

A lion came and took his breath;

Know the wage of sin is death!

O Dear Soul, mark you now!

A “roaring lion” still does prowl!

He waits for those who heed the lying;

“Prophets” false will feed the lion.

Those who choose the liar’s way,

Know not the God they disobey.

Hold fast God’s word - Be not deceived!

Souls fall to Hell for lies believed!

 *From 1 Kings 13:1-24.

Lee Simons, 7/7/04