[213]. A Message From A Poem – Parable Of The Fence Sitter

[213]. A MESSAGE FROM A POEM – PARABLE OF THE FENCE SITTER

Uncommitted, disinterested, neutral, indecisive, impartial, indifferent, apathetic – just some English words that describe a person who does not take sides and has no real opinion about anything.

When it comes to matters in the world people can be very vociferous and opinionated, matters like celebrities, political leaders, the people living next door, but when the subject turns to Christian subjects, well, suddenly these people have no opinion. “We don’t talk about those things.” “Each to his own belief.” “I am not interested in that.” “I am happy how I am.”

There is a term used called “sitting on the fence.” It means having no opinion, and running with both sides. There is a term for that – “run with the hare and hunt with the hounds”.

The old people of Israel were like that in Elijah’s time. He once said to them – {{1 Kings 18:21 Elijah came near to all the people and said, “How long will you HESITATE BETWEEN TWO OPINIONS? If the LORD is God, follow Him, but if Baal, follow him,” but the people did not answer him a word.”}}. Some of those people were fence sitters, unprepared to choose for themselves, hoping all would pass them by.

This poem is about a person metaphorically sitting on a fence not taking sides, a bit like what Switzerland claims it does in world affairs even though they are not truly neutral. It is a parable and I hope you can see the meaning. You need to read it carefully. In this poem we look at the importance of NOT dismissing God’s offer of salvation as most people do. {{2 Corinthians 6:2 for He says, “At the acceptable time I listened to you, and on the day of salvation I helped you.” Behold, NOW IS “THE ACCEPTABLE TIME,” behold, now is “the day of salvation”}}

The person in the poem met with a disaster and was cared for by genuine folk who did have an opinion (Christians). As a result the man realised he’d have to choose what to do.

Are you a fence sitter? Do you always dismiss any opportunity to decide for God? Are you one who says you won’t get involved in the things of God? Well, that attitude will do you no good because it is appointed for everyone to die and then comes the judgement. It is too late then to claim you were just a fence sitter! Your deeds are recorded NOW.

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PARABLE OF THE FENCE SITTER

He sat on a fence truly contented.

The world was around him – he couldn’t care.

In peaceful bliss, he organised his life;

Not involved with folk, caused him no despair.

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Day after day he lived his life that way,

Taking no sides, but squashing conviction,

With no real opinions on anything,

And trying not to cause any friction.

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One day his position took on a lean,

Then to the right, slowly began to slope.

He called for some props to help him regain

His old position, wherein he could cope.

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Contented again the fence was his place;

Balanced, He sat in the middle, right there.

The world passed him by; it concerned him not.

Regarding all, he did not have a care.

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Behold, one day quite unexpectedly,

To the left He slowly began to lean.

This called for further action and more props -

Back on the fence, where he would be serene.

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Then one day the unexpected happened:-

The fence gave way and suddenly collapsed.

Ev’rything then came unfixed, tumbling down.

That old fence, sturdy for ages, prolapsed.

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What a nasty shock for that fence sitter!

There he was sprawled on the ground, all alone.

But others noticed him, and came to help;

Ones in need they would truly not disown.

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He did get better and looked at his life;

Realised he could not be a fence sitter.

He would have to take sides for what is right.

Care for others and not become bitter.

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Too many are fence sitters - just don’t care.

They have no convictions; have no concerns.

Maybe their fence might suddenly crash down.

Let us hope then, that each a lesson learns.

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A serious aspect is now addressed,

And to eternity, this one relates.

Do not be a fence sitter in this life,

For in eternity, there are no fakes.

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One can not go through life dismissing God

Because one day, accounting time will come,

And that time will be fence sitters’ regret.

The mouths of the fence sitters will be dumb.

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While time remains, accept God’s salvation;

In your life, receive Jesus Christ as Lord.

It’s time to leave your non-committal fence -

To ignore that action - You can’t afford.

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On one side of the fence is heaven’s home.

On the other side is “lost forever”.

Please touch reality for God loves you.

He will not reject a sinner. Never!

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18 September 2021 R E Ferguson Metre = 10 throughout