‘Present peace and future glory’ (March 17th)
‘That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.’
Philippians 2:10–11
suggested further reading: Philippians 2:5–11
The name of Jesus is to be engraved deeply on the heart, there written by the finger of God himself in everlasting characters. It is our title known and understood to present peace and future glory. The assurance which it conveys of a bright reversion, will lighten the burdens, and alleviate the sorrows of life; and in some happier moments, it will impart to us somewhat of that fulness of joy which is at God’s right hand, enabling us to join even here in the heavenly Hosannah, ‘Worthy is the Lamb that was slain, to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.’ ‘Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.’ (Revelation 5:12,14)
For meditation: Henry Manning was author of many searching and eloquent reflections on the Christian life. His understanding of what the word ‘praise’ meant forms a fitting complement to Wilberforce’s words above. ‘Praise,’ Manning wrote, ‘consists in the love of God, in wonder at the goodness of God, in recognition of the gifts of God, in seeing God in all things he gives us, ay, and even in the things he refuses to us; so as to see our whole life in the light of God: and seeing this, to bless him, adore him, and glorify him.’
John Keble was Manning’s contemporary, and his verse often paints a picture of what Wilberforce called a ‘heavenly Hosannah’:
God, the Lord, a King remaineth,
Robed in his own glorious light;
God hath robed him and he reigneth;
He hath girded him with might.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
God is King in depth and height.
reference: A Practical View of Christianity (1797)
Wilberforce, W., & Belmonte, K. (2006). 365 Days with Wilberforce (p. 83). Leominster, UK: Day One Publications.