Luke 24:15 ‘And it
came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself
drew near, and went with them.’
Not an
angel from the glory, flying swift on joyous wing;
Not an envoy sent expressly, with a message from the king;
But Himself Whom angels worship; but Himself, the very Word;
All Divine, intensely human; sympathizing, Risen Lord.
Not with
trumpets, not with heralds, driving back in tones severe;
But with gracious held-out sceptre, and a smile that draws you near
Coming slowly, gentle, lowly, He to whom all power is given,
Strong to save you, wise to guide you, pledged to bring you safe to Heaven.
Coming
nearer than your nearest, those who would, but, cannot aid,
Proving truer then you’re dearest, those who watched with you and prayed,
Love; unfathomed, deathless; love which never misunderstands,
Love untiring, love desiring, stretching forth beseeching hands.
Not your
merits, not your virtues, not the record of your deeds,
But His joy in utter giving, and His knowledge of your needs,
By His blood-signed deed of purchase, by His right to claim and bless,
Right to beautify and clothe you, in His own pure righteousness.
His the
stripping, His the bruising, His the pierced hands and feet;
Yours the healing, yours the life-stream, Heaven’s river full and sweet,
No more doubting, no more distance, no more room for sinful fear;
Jesus Himself is yours for ever, always able, always near.
By K. Staines
Page created 29 July 2006