Articles
Onward to Triumph
But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place. (2 Cor 2:14)
A scene from a soaring eagle’s high vantage point reveals a thin spidery line on the land, extending from an unseen beginning beyond the horizon downward to its end far removed. Approaching the end of the line it becomes clear that the line is actually a column of people marching forward resolutely. Men and women, young and old, and there are also a few children in arms. It is seen too that others are yet joining this line, leaving a short trail of damp footprints as they turn again to their position in the march with a look of hope and exultation on their faces. As they join they sing:
Just as I am, without one plea,
But that thy blood was shed for me,
And that Thou bidst me come to Thee,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.(813)
Continuing up the line and more closely now, faces can be recognized. There are those known today and also a few shadowed faces of those we knew yesterday. Then are some recognized only from childhood or from old scratched photographs. Finally, none of faces are familiar as the people and surrounding scenes turns fully grey.
Along the trail are paths leading away from the column to fair vistas within view: beautiful cities, lovely streams and places that are appealing to the eye. Many are seen departing the column along these paths and do not return. But a few are coming back on these same paths with weary countenance and labored steps but with a relieved and renewed light in their eyes, rejoining the thin spidery line as it continues onward. They sing:
I am resolved no longer to linger,
charmed by the world’s delight;
Things that are higher, things that are nobler,
these have allured my sight.(818)
The Way is at times pleasant and easy. It is along these walks that the column narrows and many stray down the outward paths. But the road also leads through difficult tracks: high rocky hills, thorny ground and sometimes parched, desolate land. Here the ranks are maintained as if the trials themselves produce inward strength. There are those that stumble and fall but they are lifted and carried along, both by those of strength and those who are themselves wearied. The frail, blind or sick are led along by the hand. Still they sing a child-like melody as they go:
The master has come, and He calls us to follow
The track of the footprints He leaves on our way;
Far over the mountain and through the deep hollow,
The path leads us on to the mansions of day.(637)
In deep travails another song is often heard:
Let the treasures of the trial form within me as I go,
At the end of this long passage let me leave them at your throne.(650)
There are watchers among them, gazing ahead and behind. They guard the paths leading outward as they may, urging those who would depart to remain within the safety of the column. Yet all that march are mindful of their fellows and strive to maintain the unity of their calling and the strength of their fellowship.
Far ahead the people begin to look different: old weathered faces, unkempt beards and hair, clothing of drab robes and shoes of leather tied at the ankle. Here there are many more children in arms. Enemies from the surrounding lands attack the procession at vulnerable passages along the way, scattering some, but the line re-forms and is not broken as it proceeds forward. Even those taken captive are still seen within the ranks of the resolute line.
Cresting a high hill the column extends through a long valley as far as the eye can see, widening and narrowing. The narrowest miles are through a desert land revealing a single file of few marchers, spaced by more strides than ever before. The music is accordingly quieter but yet a sweet aroma of simple song arises:
Though none go with me, I still will follow.
Though none go with me, I still will follow.
Though none go with me, I still will follow.
No turning back, no turning back.(640)
Near the front of the line are those who joined the procession in long ages past. They are not known by face but unlike most before some of these are surely are known by name.
Beyond the head of the line, and always just out of view of the people, the greyness of the scene is vividly refreshed and the One who leads the procession is seen upon a white horse with crown and bow: Behold the Lamb of God! Turning, the King of Kings hears those who follow singing in confident faith:
When he comes, our glorious King,
All His ransomed home to bring,
Then anew this song we’ll sing:
Hallelujah! What a Savior!(201)
………………………………………………..
The narrative above is fanciful as some of our songs are. Somewhere far to the rear we see our own unshadowed faces, part of this thin spidery line, marching where so many have gone long before. So we sing:
His banner over us is love, our sword the word of God,
We tread the road the saints above with shouts of triumph trod,
By faith they, like a whirlwind’s breath, swept on o’er every field.
The faith by which they conquered death is still our shining shield.(515)
This year let us once again resolve to continue along the old path, keeping the faith, together following Christ Onward to Triumph. As the Lord’s church we walk together. Let us march forward with resolve, joy and many songs - for the triumph is indeed great.
So Spirit come, put strength in every stride,
give grace to every hurdle,
That we may run with faith to win the prize
of a servant good and faithful.
As saints of old still line the way,
re-telling triumphs of His grace,
We hear their calls and hunger for the day
when with Christ we stand in glory.(524)
Ron
