Articles and Poetry by Our Members
| God's Glory in the Joy of Men |
| Author: Bryan Elliff Entered on: 1/20/2007 |
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| “I will,“ God said, “forge for Myself, Out of the vastness of My wealth, An immeasurable expanse With stars and planets in a dance Rejoined by all of heaven’s host For joy that I would choose to boast The power of My potent hand. In this, I will have caused to stand The earth. Like some immense platform; A battle-ground for battle-storm Laid bare before heaven’s wondering eye. That it might be the place where I Display My power and wrath—but also, there, My grace.” “And then, mid all bursting life That teems upon a land that’s rife With verdant greens and growing things And crashing waves and flowing streams At my command, I will, from dust, Beget man. Who, though from the crust Of earth was wrought, will have, above All things that I create, My love. For this I will have fashioned men: That they be satisfied in Me, and then, In their great joy in My great fame, I will get glory for My Name.” “But though with mirth I will create This race in high and blessed estate, They will not long continue there. But will, in lust, attempt to wear The crown alone reserved for me, And will refuse to bow their knee. Thus, through their sin the world will fall— Plunged into death; a crimson ball That spins amid the vast expanse And rives into the heav’nly dance. In righteous wrath I’ll turn My face From them. Who strive to, in My Place, Erect themselves as mighty God. Rightly shall they bear My rod!” And then God said, “But even though they will rebel And justly be condemned to hell, I have counseled deep within My- Self, and purpose long what I Will do. In mercy, I shall save A remnant from the burning grave; Will capture for My Son a bride So that We may be glorified By all the joy that they receive At My hand. Indeed, to achieve This end I will create and then Redeem a people from the race of men.” And as He spoke, so is done. In mercy, Christ—the very Son Of God—from heaven’s lofty seat, came And bore our guilt and took our blame. Now, O Christ, fill our hearts with joy! Let us, with all the heaven, employ Our songs of exultation in Your triumph over death and sin. Oh let once-mournful hearts rejoice And grant our feeble spirits voice. For this You have redeemed our souls: That we be satisfied in You; and so, By our great joy in Your great fame, You will get glory for Your name. Copyright © 2007 Bryan Elliff |
