by Ken Sehested
When power reaps death from countless
killing fields, and every war sows the seeds
of the next, those in the Great Shepherd’s
flock resist the bloodletting lure.
Let the mournful rejoice in the Lamb who
rules, for the Tendering Day draws near!
Both lion and lamb are inheritors of the
coming peaceful kingdom, but
the latter’s sleep is the sweeter.
Let the lost rejoice in the Lamb who rules,
for the Tendering Day draws near!
When the grumbling accountants of shame
and chagrin trap the erring,
consigned to regret,
When the safeguarding coins are scattered, astray,
and tattered hearts freeze with fear and dismay,
Let the ruined rejoice in the Lamb who rules,
for the Tendering Day draws near!
How sure the delight of Mercy’s pure light
conqu’ring darkness and danger with cheer.
You who languish, forlorn,
shall in pardon be borne by the
ransom of Jubilee’s year!