A long line stood before the King
Waiting quietly, expectantly
For His judgment
It was a massive herd
Of goats and sheep
Confident the king would give approval
Each one was called to stand before Him
Alone, exposed and expectant
As they stood before Him
He uttered no sound
His eyes would fill with a smile or tears
His hands would point to the right or left
As the sheep He directed to the right
They humbly dropped to the ground
As they thankfully worshipped Him
But as the goats were directed to the left
Loud protests could be heard
Claims of being followers of His
And of injustice were voiced
Fearfully they begged Him
Relent, Lord, relent!
His gentle eyes gazed upon them
As tears flowed down His face
He proclaimed His judgment
You did not serve Me, He told them
You did not bring the lost to Me
Nor did you care for the needy
You sought your own pleasure
Turning your backs to the poor
Closing your ears to their cries
You did not tend the wounded and sick
Instead you hurled gazes of contempt
And words of disdain their way
While seeking your own comfort
Amassing your own wealth
You proclaimed to be My followers
With your mouth and showy deeds
But in your hearts you served yourself
You have brought your judgment upon yourselves
Off with you to the outer darkness!
You will not enter My rest
Sadly He banished them
Sending them to eternal punishment
Then His gentle gaze turned to the sheep
And with kind words He invited them in
Ushering them to His banqueting table
Clothing them in fine white raiment
Joyously they feasted with their Lord
Each one lifting their voice in praise
As a love so fine, so pure surrounded them
And as they sat at the banqueting table
The King’s voice could be heard proclaiming
Well done My good and faithful servants
Well done!
