HISTORY’S PANOLPLY

Time with Jesus - Thursday, 12 January 2012

I’ve sometimes wondered if authors have favourite pieces of their own writing. I know I have had the privilege of composing a couple of poems of which I’m particularly fond. My favourite is one called “Come”. It was inspired by the chorus, “Come, now is the time to worship”. It took place at a Ladies Conference in Fish Hoek for Aglow. I came to fetch Phyllida. She had been the speaker on that occasion. I crept in at the back of the audience just before she finished speaking. There had been a couple of brief references to weddings. Then, as the chorus was being sung I had a vision of the most beautiful bride I’ve ever seen. The vision was breathtaking. Then as I began to meditate on the vision I felt that I was seeing a picture of Jesus’ bride standing at the entrance of a heavenly “church building”. (If such a thing is possible) She was about to walk down the isle and Jesus was standing waiting to receive her. The poem described the preparations, the décor and what I thought was passing through His mind as He looked at her. I’ve attached a copy for your information.

Today’s meditation I suspect will become one of my favourites. The overview of prophetic history and the progressive unfolding of God’s Word to His people touches me deeply. I’ve always believed that God’s revelation of Himself to men and women unfolded over the years as people’s understanding of Himself became apparent. This is not to be misunderstood as a rejection of the inspiration of Scripture. Not at all. I love the way the NIrV translates Paul’s second letter to Timothy. ¹⁵ You have known the Holy Scriptures ever since you were a little child. They are able to teach you how to be saved by believing in Christ Jesus. ¹⁶ God has breathed life into all of Scripture. It is useful for teaching us what is true. It is useful for correcting our mistakes. It is useful for making our lives whole again. It is useful for training us to do what is right. ¹⁷ By using Scripture, a man of God can be completely prepared to do every good thing. 2 Tim 3:15-17 NIrV. At the same time I’ve always accepted that God would not provide us with more information than we need at the time or our minds would “freak out”.

So I’m blessed when I find Samuel Bagster giving us a progressive revelation from Job to the New Jerusalem. Whether this was deliberate or accidental is unknown. But of this I’m convinced. There are times when men of God record things which may not be Scripture. But they are the promptings of the Holy Spirit leading us to a progressive understanding of His Word. I’d like to think that today’s meditation is included among such writings.

Blessings

Jim & Phyllida Strickland.

History’s Panolply

The panoply of history is right before our eyes. From Job, to New Jerusalem. It comes as no surprise, To know that someone’s interested to bring it all in view. In Samuel Bagster’s Evening Light, he shows it all to you. He starts off with a picture of Job upon his bed. Longing for the night to end and wishing he was dead. He doesn’t say it openly, but no one can deny, That what he had experienced would make him long to die. His body covered totally with boils and worms and sores. With pus in an eruption from each one of his pores. How can a man be faithful, when suffering this blight? Not even in the holocaust, did people see this sight. We then move on to Edom, where Esau was their dad. They hated Jacob’s offspring and in many ways were bad. They clapped as they watched Babylon lead Israel away. They smashed their babies on the rocks and said, “Hip Hip Hooray!” But Father God was watching and His righteousness was pained. And when at last He dealt with them, not one of them remained. We read the words that David spoke before he passed away. He wanted his descendants to fear the Lord each day. He told them to rule wisely, with justice and be fair. He said they’d see the light of God and know the Father’s care. Jesus came and told them that His house had many rooms. He’d prepare a place for them and come back very soon. Then all of His disciples for evermore would be,      Living in the home he had prepared especially.

It was the New Jerusalem, in which there was no night. A home for all believers, where God’s glory was the light. They were not to be troubled and not to be afraid. Not to be down-hearted and not to be dismayed. He said they’re children of the light; Yes, children of the day. He would come again to them and never go away. But until it happened, He gave them all His peace. He also had a love for them that would not ever cease. What a lovely picture Bagster “painted” long ago. A picture of how things would change, from what they used to know. A lovely understanding, of progressive revelation. Of God changing the circumstance for each and every nation. Preparing for a future, that forevermore would be, Being with the Saviour in a new eternity. Not of boils and worms and sores, but living in a place, Where they would know the Master and the wonders of His grace. Jim Strickland – Written Thursday 12th January 2012  Come Prayer Lord, what is the picture that You would have me paint. A very special portrait for a very special saint. A picture to bring comfort and help her try to see, What’s about to happen to the one betrothed to Thee. I’d like to try and show her how You feel about Your bride. The keen anticipation You have bubbling inside. I’d like to draw the veil aside so she can take a peek, At all the preparations; and then to ask You, speak To her about the wedding, and of the part she’ll play, So she may get a glimpse of what will happen any day. Answer: See the decorations. See what’s been prepared. Nothings too much trouble. No expenses spared. Look at all the tablecloths. See the fine detail. Everyone a masterpiece on a gigantic scale. Made from purest linen, enhanced with fine damask. Hand stitched by the angels who exalted in their task. Look at all the dinner plates laid out in perfect rows. Fashioned out of diamonds. Observe how each one glows! The goblets on the table, designed to look like bells, Were chiselled out of marble as thin as oyster shells. See, the candelabra, with aromatic oil, Shining like a million suns with light which cannot spoil. The fragrance and the perfume have been carefully selected. There’s only just a trace of it. But it can be detected; Recognised by everyone as what they each prefer, Combined with flower blossoms, and just a hint of myrrh. The seats around the table were specially made for Me; Hand crafted to perfection from solid ebony; Inlaid with polished walnut and rosewood decoration, And scarlet velvet padding for a royal coronation. The room is large and airy. It’s circular in size. No matter where a person sits, they’ll look into My eyes. No matter where a guest may be, each one will sit beside The honoured bridal party, the Bridegroom and My bride. The entertainment’s perfect; The music is sublime; Conducted by an angel and composed by the Divine. The timbre’s soft, yet lilting, to set the heart on fire, Accompanied in harmony by the angelic choir. The Church is a Cathedral. It’s specially designed, To cope with the invited guests. The walls have all been lined With panelling of cedar, upon which has been draped, Tapestries of golden thread, all beautifully shaped, And woven in the texture of pure translucent silk. Exquisite in their artistry, in frames as white as milk. The altar is behind me. I’m standing right beside. My heart is filled with longing. I’m waiting for my bride. I’m filled with expectation and terribly excited. My love is reaching out to her, and with her I’m delighted. The guests have all been seated. The organ has begun To play a Royal Wedding March. I feel I want to run! I want to run and catch you and hold you very tight. I’ve waited, O so very long, and now the time is right I gaze in expectation at the carpet on the floor It stretches right from where I am beyond the Church’s door. It’s coloured red as crimson. Its pile is deep and plush. No one has ever walked on it. Then suddenly, a hush Descends upon the people. The moment has arrived. That instant in eternity for which creation's strived. I hear the trumpet signalling it’s fanfare of delight I lift My eyes and I behold a real breathtaking sight. For, standing in the doorway is the woman of my dreams. The only one I’ve ever loved. The one who truly means Far more to Me than anything or anyone I’ve known. The woman I am longing for to share our Heavenly home. I gaze at her enraptured. She is a stunning sight. She’s wearing a white wedding gown of shimmering, liquid light. It has no spot or wrinkle, or stain of any kind. The outline of its symmetry is perfectly defined. It reaches from her shoulders to just above the ground, Alive with pleats and swirling folds where shadows can’t be found. Her veil is woven gossamer that’s overlaid with lace. It stretches from her coronet, obscuring her shy face. Her bouquet’s made from orchids, white as the driven snow, Which compliment her wedding gown and helps to make it glow. My hands spread out in greeting. My only thought is, “Come!” “Come to Me, My darling!” Her beauty strikes Me dumb! I almost can’t believe it. It’s too much to take in. At last I’m looking at My bride! Here is My next of kin. I hear the music’s playing. She’s walking down the aisle The journey takes forever. It seems a million miles. My heart inside is pounding. It’s beating like a drum And all I want to say to her is, “Come, My darling, Come!” At last she is in front of me. I take her by the hand. We turn and face My Father. In front of Him we stand. “Do you take this woman?” I hear My Father say. “Will You love and honour her, regardless? Come what may? So, in front of everyone, our marriage vows we make. We promise to be faithful and then I gently take The veil that was obscuring her face so I can see An unobstructed vision of the woman made for Me. Now I see her clearly. I gaze into her eyes. The woman I am looking at’s not hard to recognise. Lovelier than sun rise on roses dabbed with dew. The one who takes My breath away; My precious one, it’s you! Can you see the picture? Do you understand, What it is I’m saying as I reach out with My hand? Can you feel the tension of what is in the air? Comprehend what has been done in order to prepare For the special moment when I will take My bride, To live with through eternity - forever by My side? Tell this to My daughter. Tell her what I see. Tell her that I love her. She’s sanctified for Me. Say I’ve been protecting her each moment, every day Smoothing out the obstacles strewn all along the way. Tell her that I see her as a girl of seventeen, Radiant and virginal; the portrait of a queen. Not a spot or blemish; completely wrinkle free. Ultimate perfection personified for Me. Isn’t it fantastic? Isn’t it sublime? Isn’t this a miracle direct from the Divine? Isn’t this the vision that’s coursing through your soul? The thing you have sort after and set up as your goal? For I’ve watched you dreaming and know what you desire. Know you have a love for Me, that’s set your heart on fire. Watched you face life’s problems. Know what you can do. Understand your weaknesses, and I would say to you. Do not be downhearted, bothered or perplexed. I‘ve seen what you’ve been doing, and know what happens next. So, can reassure you, there’s nothing you need fear, For I will take the pain away and dry up every tear. Take courage now My daughter. The wedding has been planned. The invitations have been sent out to all throughout the land. The bridal chamber’s been prepared. The honeymoon is booked. The wedding feast will soon take place. The food is being cooked. There’s nothing left outstanding; no detail left undone. You know that I can hardly wait, and so I bid you, “Come!” Come to me the way you are. Put on your wedding gown. It is robe of righteousness, as soft as eider down. You can’t improve upon it, regardless how you try. I gave it to you as a gift, which money cannot buy. You do not need cosmetics. Your beauty’s not skin deep. Put aside your jewels. The crown I give, you’ll keep. Your hairstyle’s unimportant. A perm, you do not need. And as for your accessories - put them aside, I plead. So, finally, My precious one, to you I am appealing “Come and wear My wedding ring”. I say again with feeling. “Come and join your bridegroom and be My blushing bride.” For this is the inheritance for which you’ve often cried. United with your lover, your husband and your King. To sit with Me in glory and wear My wedding ring. Jim Strickland