Psalm 22:27. “All the ends of the world shall remember and turn unto the Lord: and all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before thee.” WORSHIP BEFORE HIM. Holy, sinless, perfect, always pleasing the Father – suffering the horrors of hell – How can this be? Justice, righteousness, and holiness have demands – sin cannot be overlooked – the price must be paid. Voluntary, willing, compassionate – assuming full responsibility – Jesus was charged with my debt. Forsaken, despised, rejected – taking my place – He paid the full price by His supreme sacrifice.
Love at Bethlehem, hate at Nazareth, mockery at Jerusalem – His own received Him not. Tormented by the Gentiles, excruciating pain, prophecies making demands – He endures it all. The cross of the cursed, the mocking crowd, the devil watches – He is made sin for us.
The darkness and the deep, the eternal three hours, the pains of hell – He dies for me.
The accomplished work, the triumphant voice, the glorious declaration – “It is finished!” The creation testifies, the centurion testifies, and the saints who watched testify—“He is the Son of God.” The cross is exchanged for a crown, the Sufferer is now the Victor – “He made peace.” Mercy has been shown, grace has made provision, faith has an object – “He gave Himself for me.”
A new age has begun, a new way has been opened to God, and a new day has dawned—He is alive. We look not now at His death but at His life for us in heaven—He is our Great High Priest. With His Church, He is the authority from which the Body functions – He is the Head of the Church. Among the churches, He moves with dignity and glory – He is the Gathering Center of His people.
In the distant past, we remember His Advent, coming to redeem His own – the work is done. In the future, we look and wait for His shout of welcome to His bride – the rapture nears. Then we await His appearing in glory, the second Advent to Olivet – the revelation is coming. The nations of the earth shall bow, all shall turn to Him and worship – the King reigns.
“O Holy God: in the spirit of worship and remembrance, I come today to offer power, riches, wisdom, strength, honor, and glory, blessing unto the Lamb that was slain. In reverence, I look back, and in anticipation and joy, I look ahead to when all kindreds and nations shall worship Him. With a sense of awe, I worship here, today, in this place, my Savior and Lord. Amen.”