A skill above the mind of man
designing genes, supernal plan:
he came, becoming touchable,
removing guilt immovable.
But now, we see much bad still mixed
among the good – its end is fixed:
no saga-crisis fictional,
but certain future rational.
Not then a baby known by few –
acknowledged Sovereign in full view,
receiving all the honour due.
Mark 13
Great expectations: hope wonderful, sure.
Jesus returning, great joy evermore.
Before his departure, he’d told them and warned,
of judgement, for he’d been rejected and scorned,
Their temple would then be destroyed, for fulfilled
its cermonies, symbols, – true Sacrifice killed.
This gospel would spread first to nations afar,
so they could receive his salvation before
his judgement extends throughout all the earth,
removing all evil, and sickness, and death.
Reminded by earthquakes, and wars, that life’s short,
– yet few would prepare, though the way had been taught:
King Christ comes in glory, he gathers up all
his people, while galaxies shake, their stars fall.
Philippians 3:20,21
Awaiting Christ, –
great expectation!
he will complete the transformation –
made fit to dwell with him!
and so, we live in preparation,
eagerly,
in anticipation,
we seek to live like him.
1 Cor.15:50-53; 1 Thess. 4:14-17; Lk 21:28; Rev.6:15-17; 11:15-18
We do not know the hour
when Jesus will return,
but he will come with power –
this universe will burn.
Lift up your heads
as he draws near:
rejoice, though stubborn sinners fear.
His children will be raised,
or meet him in the air –
then quickly they’ll be changed,
his glorious home to share. Lift up your heads …
The final trumpet sounds, –
we’re waiting eagerly;
and praise in heaven resounds, –
Christ comes triumphantly. Lift up your heads …
The kingdom of the world
has now become his own –
the kingdom of our Lord,
and of his worthy Son.
Our hope’s not vain, –
Christ comes again, –
and unopposed he’ll ever reign.
We give you thanks, O Lord,
for judgement good, complete,
and gracious, sure reward
to saints, both small and great. Our hope’s not vain …
Tune: 66 66 88 Gopsal (Rejoice, the Lord is King)
Mark 13
As Jesus left the earthly temple,
scene of barenness and greed,
so he spoke of its destruction,
for its symbols were to lead
to the perfect Sacrifice,
to the Christ who would suffice.
Times of turmoil, trouble always
from the curse ’til time will end;
day of grace brings persecution,
but his gospel God will send;
and the Day he’s indicated,
will come surely as appointed.
Watch out, – not deceived by folly
things false teachers slyly say.
Watch out for his help in trouble,
watch out for his coming Day.
Not deflected, not unready,
vigilant, alert, and steady.
Christ’s advent changed the world,
and brought anticipation -
a second advent soon
for wonderul completion:
the end of pain and weariness,
the end of death and sinfulness.
The date unknown, we live
in constant expectation
of better things ahead -
for all will give attention,
and everyone will stop and see
when Christ arrives all-gloriously.
But many won’t believe
(and make no preparation),
their days drift on until
the day of separation:
for only those by faith prepared
will be for ever with their Lord.
2 Peter 3:3–10; Ps73:18–28
For a thousand years are like a day
just passing, to the LORD;
though the wicked seem to prosper, they
will tremble at his sword;
as a dream when one awakes, our God
will soon arise and wield his rod.
He will come establishing his rule.
‘All far from You will perish,
whoever is not true’;
but the LORD delights to lavish
his love, he’ll welcome you
if you make the LORD your refuge now,
and trust in Christ, and humbly bow.
He will come, – be ready for that Day.
Men will scoff and say things still go on,
each year it’s much the same.
So men scoffed in days of Noah, long
ago, but judgement came.
By his Word this earth will disappear,
– in fire, – the Day is drawing near;
we will see an earth of righteousness.
In the days before the flood, men were
enjoying life each day.
So the wicked live so free of care,
not bothering to pray;
deride God’s laws, their sin they flaunt,
God’s power and justice scorn, and taunt.
But his purpose won’t be stopped by man.
Tune: ‘2000 Years’ by R.T.Bewes (No.32, Youth Praise)
The world will scoff, deny, forget
– they do not want to know
that to their Maker they’re in debt,
and praise, submission, owe.
Every eye will one day see him,
Jesus returning, majestic, reigning:
how many will be waiting
with faith, upon the earth?
Remember, though, how soon is meant
(God’s time’s not to our scale);
– he waits, that many may repent:
his coming will not fail.
Until every eye will see him,
Christ Jesus coming, in power returning,
I’ll trust, and while I’m waiting
urge faith upon the earth.
When he is ready, he will come:
the world will not expect
the awesome, judging, holy One
whom most now scorn, reject.
We look forward to his coming,
the old earth melting, the new appearing,
in him, keep persevering
in holy, godly faith.
(Tune: of ‘I know not how God’s wondrous grace’)
