02/23/2019
We are preparing ourselves for Lent, and during this Lenten season we will pray, deny ourselves, repent, and in quiver and contrition ask forgiveness for all our sins by God’s mercy and grace through Jesus Christ. As we ready ourselves, the story of Jesus plays out in our hearts, minds, and souls, and in remembrance of His promised return, we realize that He has never left, and will never leave us.
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."”
Matthew 28:19-20 ESV
So this morning as I was moved by what has been, and what lies ahead for us in the Lenten, and Easter seasons, I wrote a poem instead of my typical devotional, and will share it with you now...
Glorious Holy Day
By Rich Forbes
I flew beneath the angel’s wings
Above the twisted tree
Scarred deep with bloody nail holes
Where suffering came for me;
My tears fell from the sky above
To a sponge upon the spear
Never before did God call me
While standing oh so near.
The angels moaned and rent their robes,
Feathers falling down like death,
Thunder rolled, and mountains quaked;
God’s Son breathed His last breath.
The wind left from my body,
I couldn’t catch it back.
My soul coughed loud within me
From the hole of all I lacked.
Then in the still of morning
When the cock began to crow
The joy welled up within me;
No body was left to show.
Standing alone with the shroud,
Beneath a sunny sky
I looked out towards Emmaus;
Should I laugh or cry.
His voice, a man, a single meal,
All came upon that way
Then in epiphany I saw...
Oh Glorious Holy day!
Mother dry the tears of death,
All earth cry tears of joy,
What once was dead is now alive
God’s grace for us deployed.
Holy, Holy, Holy, God
We await your Son once more;
For the return of our Redeemer
As you open heaven’s door.
He’ll fly above the angel’s wings
Above His empty tomb
That now by grace stands silent
While creation sings, “come soon!”
Each year that passes without the trumpets sounding His return, brings us yet closer to the glorious day of our Lord Jesus Christ, and yet, even as we wait, He is within us always, and we within Him. So our time of waiting to see Him descending victorious from the clouds is tempered by His Spirit within us, and the wait is made tolerable.
Join me during the upcoming Lent as we continuously recall the Gospel of Christ... over and over again, and pray in so doing for His speedy return.
“He who testifies to these things says, "Surely I am coming soon." Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!”
Revelation 22:20 ESV
Pray:
Father, I thank you for your Son Jesus Christ who lived, suffered, died, was resurrected, and has ascended to sit at your right hand. I thank you Merciful Father for the promise of His return, and the faith I have as I anticipate His imminent arrival. I thank you for the revelation of John to whom you gave a glimpse of the glory that lies ahead for us as Jesus claims His bride, and the New Jerusalem comes down out of heaven. Great are you my God, and greatly to be praised... your mercy and grace knows no end, and the obedience of your Son to your Holy will is perfect for all to see. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you my God who offered up a His only begotten Son that creation could be restored to you. All glory belongs to you Father, and the song of your creation rings now and forevermore through heaven itself. In this, the gospel of Jesus may His grace be with us always.
“The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen.”
Revelation 22:21 ESV
Rich Forbes