Hypocrisy

The teachers and the Pharisees are the authorised interpreters.
   Of the law of Moses, they have become misinterpreters.
Because although they are rightly teach.
   Follow what they tell you through their speech.
But do not imitate the actions.
   For that I do not give you any sanctions.
Because they rightfully teach,
   but never practice what they preach.

They like to be called 'Teacher',
   because they think they are cleaner.
They want you to bow down in respect,
    because their true purpose, they forget.
They walk around everywhere in pride,
    and look down upon my flock with snide.

Remember, you have just one 'Father' who is in heaven,
   surrounded by the archangels, them seven.
And just one 'Leader', the Messiah,
    who has been walking with you this whole kilometer. 
Whoever considers himself to be great,
    has clouded his mind and is not thinking straight.
But, those who are humble,
    my Father will never let crumble.

They lock the doors to the Kingdom,
    with their warped up sense of wisdom. 
They don't even get in in themselves.
They travel across countries for a soul to convert.
    But, what is a point after all that effort?
They make him twice as deserving...
   to go to hell, when he emulates their self-serving. 

How terrible it is for these blind guides!
    By earthly measures, they divide.
It's okay to swear by the temple, but not it's gold.
   You will be bound by that vow, against you they will hold.
You will not be bound by a vow of the altar, but only it's gifts.
    They will hold your accountable for every word, and to complete it be swift.
But, what is more holy - the gifts and the gold,
     or the temple and the altar to behold?

They claim their garments are all white,
    because each and everything, they tithe.
But justice, mercy and honesty...
    whatever happened to that dynasty?
From their drink, they strain a fly,
    but a ritually unclean camel, they let pass by!
First, you must clean the inside,
    though, on the outside your may appear pure and dignified.

To Jerusalem, the holy city.
    What  a shame, and what a pity!
All of my prophets you killed, crucified and reject.
Right from Abel to Zechariah,
    innocent blood, and now the Messiah.
Like a mother hen gathers her chicks.
     I tried to gather you under my hips.
To keep you safe under my wings
     and treat you nothing-less-than kings.

But every time, you rejected.
    All my laws and teachings neglected.
So your temple will be abandoned and empty,
    while I extend the Kingdom and gather plenty.
Until the time comes for you to say this, Jerusalem.
     Until that time, until I come again.
Until you say, 'blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord'.
    Till you recognize the rejected Son of the living God.

-RUELHA 
www.ruelha.com 
(Inspired by Matthew 23)

This poem is part of a series of rhymes titled ‘The Matthew Series’. This is the 24th poem in the series. They are all based on the gospel of Matthew and are in the correct sequence. Here are few of my favorites:

• The Beginning of His ministry
• The secrets to a successful healing
• Many are invited; few are chosen