(John 17.1)
Before the entrance of the ages,
Before the measuring factor — time,
(How this baffles all the sages
This blessed concept so sublime).
Before there ever was Creation,
Before the fashioning of this world,
The Lamb was there in highest station
His banner yet to be unfurled.
Before the Cross, in purpose stainéd,
Before His passion, crimson dyed,
Verily thus was foreordainéd,
The Lamb, unblemished, crucified.
Before Barabbas knew survival,
Or Lamb before the shearer dumb,
Anticipating His arrival,
Could prophesy ‘Behold I come.’
Come to glorify His Father,
The battle to be fought, and won,
‘The hour is come,’ the spoil to gather,
And Father glorify the Son.
John Glenville
In coming down, He brought God to man, In going up, He took man to God.
J. Douglas
For us
righteousness without works, Rom.4.6
love … without dissimulation, Rom.12.9
speaking the word without fear, Phil.1.14
lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting, 1 Tim.2.8
prayer … without ceasing, Acts 12.5
wisdom … without partiality, and without hypocrisy, Jas.3.17
hospitality … without grudging, Pet.4.9
For Him
hated … without a cause, Jn.15.25tempted … without sin, Heb.4.15
offered … without spot, Heb.9.14
by H. A. Barnes (England)