1/15/2013

The Second Advent

Look now upon the Savior's majesty. Not
with pity or contempt art thou able to gaze, for He stands
the Lord made manifest. Mocked no more, no more despised is
God-made-flesh, come first as Deliverer and now again as Judge.
O'erthrown are the cities of scorn, o'erthrown the dens of denial. Glory
rushes from Him, plunging the world in light. Sin, death's mother, crouches,
screeching -  her dwellings of darkness all in an instant consumed by His splendor.
Alas! for those who coupled her now writhe, stuff'd with fear. Roaring majesty, unbridled
righteousness - His presence breaks over them like mighty waves. They are washed
away like dross. The old manner of things is passed away.

His trumpet sounds.

The Remnant trembles. The Second Advent ended? They are scarred from many floggings;
they are gaunt as skeletons; on their necks are the heel-prints of oppression.
They have worn thorns as crowns; their tears have been their food. Though troubled,
perplexed, persecuted, and downcast, they have clung the Cross as to their own souls.
Through bleeding lips and broken teeth, Worthy, worthy, worthy has been their cry.

His trumpet sounds. 

Trembling gives way to dancing, dancing gives way to worship,
worship breaks to dancing again. The Lord is come! Ransomed, the dead arise.
Redeemed, the Church rejoices. Forgiven, the saints exult. Children of the Promise
stand as sons of the King. The fragrance of His fame perfumes the galaxies. The universe
gapes in wonder - O the magnitude of His wisdom! O the perfection of His love!
The praise of His glory is thick upon the earth; it fills the whole heaven.
It covers the sea!

Look now upon the Savior's majesty. Not
with half-hearted eyes art thou able to gaze, for He stands
the Lord Eternal. Life and Truth and Love made manifest; the ultimate
nature of all good revealed, embodied, visible. The perfect Law
perfectly fulfilled. Resplendent. Sovereign. Just. To know His worth, to
meet Him face to face - this now consumes you. Take heart!
This passion, this desire, this delight - it  is your sole duty. Night
is o'ercome. The Second Advent ended.
Eternity's begun.



No comments: