WHY PROPHETS WEEP 
JER. 13:9-17 
 
BACK TO POEM LIST 
 
Is it the Word of the LORD, or mine? 
Is it my pride causing strife, or thine? 
 
Did I become author of the Word? 
Just by telling what from God I’ve heard? 
 
If I don’t tell what God commanded, 
The judge of all deems me blood-handed. 
 
Judgment will come, damnation you’ll see, 
Even if you can disregard me. 
 
Tearing me down, slandering my name 
Changes nothing — God’s Word is the same. 
 
I am a man, I’ve feelings like you, 
I’m really your friend, if you only knew. 
 
Because I am His, a messenger true, 
Must I be hated, is this my due? 
 
I’d love to tell how good you’re doing; 
How bless’d your fate, with gentle wooing. 
 
To see you smile, admiring my grace; 
Yet seeing not the lying disgrace. 
 
You’d love me sure, but would I love you? 
To feed you lies, and not tell you true? 
 
Are you so enflamed against God’s light, 
That even the messengers you fight? 
 
Can you not be objective and see 
That not one word is authored by me? 
 
It’s not at me, but at God you rail. 
Should not this truth cause your face to pale? 
 
O, dear people, consider your end. 
Realize the truth — the preacher’s your friend. 
 
Humble yourselves!  Hear God’s clear Word! 
Reconcile now!  Return to the LORD! 
 
But if you’re too proud to fear what you’ll reap; 
In secret places my soul shall weep. 
 
Mark Bullen  ‘06