Present Grace, Future Perfect

Christ had compassion, not contempt
upon a leper, ill, unkempt,
He touched him – no infection passed,
but for the leper, joy at last:
from Jesus cleansing flowed to cure
the symptoms he’d had to endure.

A man was paralysed, his friends
who heard that Jesus heals and mends
all disabilities and pain,
approached the house – it seemed in vain
– they couldn’t pass the crowd, but then
down through the roof they lowered him.

First, Jesus pardoned him – some sneered,
‘That’s blasphemy!’, their thinking jeered
– he then healed this paralysis
(– one day he’ll right all that’s amiss):
he is divine, as thus he showed,
grace, mercy is by him bestowed.
Tune: 88 88 88 eg Melita (tune of ‘Eternal Father, strong to save’)
(based on Luke 5:12-26)

Superb, and sympathetic

On Psalm 113
We praise the God transcendent
who dwells beyond, so high
above the stars, resplendent,
but notices a sigh.

In every place his greatness
with awe and praise proclaim;
tell always that his goodness,
delights to save from shame.

He cares for those lost, helpless,
who feel their desperate need,
hungry for grace, and fruitless,
those longing to be freed.

This could not be invented
– One infinitely great
who’s willing and committed
to be compassionate.

He must be disappointed
at folly, mess and sin,
and yet Christ was anointed
redemption full to bring.

We serve our saving Saviour,
we worship him who served,
we’ll soon be where for ever
contentment full’s reserved.

Tune: 76 76 D eg Morning Light (tune of ‘Stand up, Stand up for Jesus’)

Ten Days after the Ascension

With signs of power, of wind and flame,
the promised Holy Spirit came.
Jesus had promised when he left
he would not leave them weak, bereft.

His Spirit would empower, so they
could tell of pardon, teach the Way
of reconciliation, peace
– the cross of Christ had brought release.

By miracle, upon that day
from all the world, they heard them say
in all their languages, that now
the whole wide world God’s grace could know.

Tune: LM eg Church Triumphant, tune of ‘The Lord is King’

 

The crux of all time

This all occurred –
as man on earth
God brought true Word
and died our death
–  the fine he paid
that we had earned
on him was laid.
He then returned
and showed the debt
had been wiped clean
– come, bow, and let
him rule, redeem.

88 88 88    eg’On Christmas night all Christians sing’

Resurrection?

Jesus was beaten, crucified –
the soldiers checked he’d really died
with spear thrust deep into his side:
some try to say he this survived,
and in the tomb awoke, unwound,
th’anointed cloths removed that bound,
escaped the guard, removed the rock,
and somehow staggered, scheming, back?!
    Such thoughts do not make any sense,
    the implications are immense:
    It was the powerful living Lord
    who rose with energising Word.

Some say they all mistook the tomb,
or someone moved, by means unknown
the corpse – removed and never found.
His followers, friends were beaten, bound
for saying he’s alive to save
– for lies would they have been so brave?
They were not charged with body-theft;
no longer mourning, sad, bereft.
Men, women changed by joyful news
    they can’t deny, though crowds abuse.
    The evidence makes legal sense,
    the implications are immense.

Recorded clear accounts we have
of, after days within the grave
some met him live upon the third –
for forty days he then appeared,
and often unexpectedly,
once with five hundred there to see,
and sent them out this to proclaim
– ‘repent, Christ saves, and soon will reign’.
    Men, women changed by joyful news
    they can’t deny, though crowds abuse.
    The evidence makes legal sense,
    the implications are immense.

Tune:  DLM+ ‘Ye banks and braes’, but repeat the last 4 lines of the tune