The Good Samaritan

On  a well-travelled route, the old Jericho Way,

So well known to many of us,

Went a man out alone on the ill-fated day

To a palm-treed old city of lust.

But afflicted by robbers, and wounded and stripped,

Left dying by merciless hands.

A spectacle sad for any who tripped

Down the road through the Palestine sands.

          So, will anyone stop for a soul in distress,

          And what could you possibly do?

          As you ponder your choice, you are put to the test-

What if Jesus had not stopped for you?

The clergy came up with his robes and his book,

And looked on the pitiful sight.

But his flock was at home, with no one to look,

So he passed by the opposite side.

The Levite, he likewise came strutting along

To observe with disinterested eye.

If only he had there that most august throng-

But no one was there to descry.

So, will anyone stop for a soul in distress,

          And what could you possibly do?

          As you ponder your choice, you are put to the test-

What if Jesus had not stopped for you?

Next, a stranger came up to the place where he lay-

An outcast Samaritan, he.

Rejected, he has no desire for display,

But was moved by a deep sympathy.

He bound up his wounds, poured in oil and wine-

Laid him on his beast that was there.

Took him to a place where they’re caring and kind

And promised all cost he would bear.

So, will anyone stop for a soul in distress,

          And what could you possibly do?

          As you ponder your choice, you are put to the test-

What if Jesus had not stopped for you?

Now, you’ve known this old story in Luke well indeed,

And enjoyed its great Gospel appeal,

But, have you got the point of the neighbour in need-

Poor lawyer, yet cynical still?

When you passed by that young soul so cocky (for sure),

Did you greet him with friendship so rare?

Or speak to the sullen to bring him some cheer-

Did you stop, just a moment to spare?

So, will anyone stop for a soul in distress,

          And what could you possibly do?

          As you ponder your choice, you are put to the test-

            What if Jesus had not stopped for you?              

Mark Humber 1999

My disgust with religious pretence.

A Young Man In Heaven

Come, if you would see Him, though frightened and trembling, 

The secret of power is offered you free.

Draw closer to Christ to be rid of sin’s burden,

And find there’s a young Man in heaven for thee.

He’s borne all our griefs and He’s carried our sorrows,

Laid down His life in the midst of His days.

So gently He calls you to hasten still onward,

The young Man in glory still lingers today.

We see them pass over, the aged and the crippled,

The child from the comfort of motherly care.

So many hearts broken, much sorrow unspoken,

They all will be like Him, the young Man up there.

So deep in our hearts we are feeling a longing,

To be more like Jesus, our Saviour and Lord.

The only thing then, that will bring satisfaction-

To wake with His likeness where He is adored.

Mark Humber 29/9/91

Written on the death of a close friend, Doug Rose, at the age of 23. Doug died while preaching in a church. The death certificate read, 'No cause of death established.'