Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: Outstanding (04/21/11)
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TITLE: Impending | Previous Challenge Entry
By Beth LaBuff
04/27/11 -
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The abode of God.
Act I is over. Around God's throne were clusters of angelic messengers, their tasks completed. These were the angels who watched in fascination as God created—"and it was good". In another sector were those sent to shepherds to announce His birth. Still another company contained angels who were ready for their mission, but were never summoned. They were to rescue Christ from the cross should He call.
The Entr'acte is being performed now as angels minister to the heirs of salvation. This is the church age, the parenthesis between God's dealing with the Jews in the Old Testament and Gospel times, and before He resumes dealing with them in the end times.
...And finally, the Archangel ... his jaw taut ... his muscles flexing ... his line rehearsed to perfection. He awaits the cue to usher in Act II.
***
Act I
In the vast expanse of the heavenly realm,
Where the angels dared to tread,
Exuberance flowed from angelic beings
As the universe was spread.
And the stars were the work of His fingertips
As across the vault they were flung,
Unbounded joy from the angels arose
As celestial lights were hung.
They were witnesses to the birth of time—
It severed eternity.
And with numbered days God spoke forth life,
They fathomed this mystery.
Then a hush inhabited the vast expanse
As God revealed His plan,
'Twas the apex of His creation when
From dust God fashioned man.
Specific tasks for these messengers,
As the Word of God records,
Some guarded the Garden of Eden
With their outstretched flaming swords.
When not ten righteous in Sodom were found
Left Abraham grieved and distraught,
Then brimstone rained down as the family fled
When the angels rescued Lot.
An angel proclaimed, "A Savior is born!"
To herald the Christmas story!
Made lower, was Christ, than angelic beings –
When He laid aside His glory.
Then ten thousand angels watched him die
They waited nearby lest He call,
But not for the angels, it was for mankind—
Redemption provided for all.
***
Entr'acte
It is not for the love of humanity,
It's that angels are sent to serve
And to succor the heirs of salvation.
It is nothing that we could deserve.
In heaven, there's joy in the presence
Of the angels of God, who rejoice
When a sinner confesses, repents of his sin
And makes the Savior his choice.
***
Act II
(opening scene)
And just like a debt that must be repaid,
And like birth pains that can't be postponed,
The Archangel's gaze is now fixed upon God
As he waits near the heavenly throne.
With energy pent up and primed for release,
His voice to accompany the shout –
When God turns to nod the affirmative—
...For time is about to run out.
***
Inspiration:
I Thessalonians 4:16
For the Lord himself will come down from heaven,
with a loud command,
with the voice of the archangel
and with the trumpet call of God,
and the dead in Christ will rise first.
(NIV)
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Your work always reminds me of the work of the great masters we read in college - and which I take out from time to time read even now. Wonderful job!
Amen and amen to your message.