While We Wait… (9-25-2016)

Motel: “Rabbi, we’ve been waiting for the Messiah all our lives.  Wouldn’t this be a good time for him to come?”
Rabbi: “We’ll have to wait for him someplace else.  Meanwhile, let’s start packing.”
–Fiddler on the Roof

For some reason, this particular scene of Fiddler on the Roof popped in my head as I thought of this week’s theme.  In this scene, the people in the town of Anatevka have just been told they have 3 days to leave.  The Rabbi responds with some wisdom: yes, we wait, but we must still work in the meantime.

Sometimes the waiting and working can be tiresome, just as the village of Anatevka felt.  Other times, though, we work and wait with anticipation and excitement.  Whatever the case, I hope these songs bring about hope toward His coming, whenever that may be.

1. Work, For the Night is Coming

Like many songs of this era, this song began as a poetic piece.  Written by Mrs. Harry Coghill, it was published in a Canadian newspaper in 1854.  She was lucky enough to have her poem pass through the hands of Lowell Mason, composer of the music to such songs as “Nearer, My God, To Thee” and “There is a Fountain.”

2. Will Jesus Find Us Watching?

This is one of Fanny J. Crosby’s lesser known works, which is a shame.  While the emphasis of the chorus is on waiting for His return, the lyrics still encourage action in the mean time.  Verse 1 reminds us that our lamps should be trimmed and bright (a reference to the parable of the 10 virgins).  Verse 2 reminds us that we want to use our talents in a way that He will respond, “Well done.”

3. When He Comes in Glory By and By

It’s a shame that some of the songs we sing have been passed on with little to no history at all.  There is absolutely no information out there on Arthur A. Westbrook. He only wrote 2 other songs that were published (neither of which I’d ever heard of before).  Nevertheless, he brings us a stirring reminder of what a wonderful day that will be when He comes!

4. Holy

We fast forward 100+ years from the last few songs to a song that was written in 2011, just 5 years ago.  It comes off the same album that has two other crowd favorites, “10,000 Reasons” and “Never Once.”  The last verse of the song gives us a wonderful vision of the second coming: “Then You will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead; all eyes will look on Your glorious face, shining like the sun.”  The song then poses a question with no answer: “Who is like You, God?”  Since there is no answer, the song appropriately ends on a chord which leaves us feeling unfinished.  (Wish I could find an acapella recording to share for this song…it gives me chills each time we sing it.)

5. Sing Hallelujah to the Lord

The word “Hallelujah” (praise God) should invoke an upbeat emotion.  Yet Linda Stassen chose to write this song in a minor key, giving it a darker feel.  Indeed, she even references Jesus being risen from the dead and His return, both happy occasions, while maintaining that minor-key feel.  Perhaps this song represents those times when the waiting for Jesus’ return is tiresome.  The last chord of the song inspires hope, though, by shifting to a major key feel, as you’ll hear in this video.

6. Days of Elijah

Occasionally I get questioned on the theology of certain songs; this is usually one of them.  “And these are the days of your servant, David, rebuilding a temple of praise.”  How can that be?  Solomon restored the temple, not David.  That is, indeed, correct, but that’s not what Robin Mark is referencing.  He’s referring to Amos chapter 9, when David’s tent/booth of prayer and praise was raised.  So while “temple” was probably a poor choice of word, the composer has definitely backed up his thought process in writing the song.  This song was chosen, of course, for it’s declaration of Christ’s return in the chorus!

7. Jesus is Coming Soon

R. E. Winsett wrote over 1,000 songs, but this one was no doubt his most famous; it won the Dove Award for Song of the Year in 1969.  I admit that I am always reluctant to lead this song.  I remember singing this song growing up thinking it was such a fun song to sing.  As I’ve learned to reflect more on the words that I’m singing, I do not find it fun to sing “many will meet their doom.”  There is nothing fun about that thought!  However, it is my prayer that those who hear this message will be convicted to follow the gospel so they may never have to worry about such a fate.

8. In Christ Alone

Normally, I would never lead just one verse of this song, as I feel it takes all four verses to truly tell the story.  However, given our focus for this week, I thought the last verse of this song would be a wonderful thought to end on.  “‘Til He returns or calls me home, here in the power of Christ I stand!”

In Him,
Aaron Shotts

ORDER OF SERVICE

Work, For the Night is Coming

WELCOME

Will Jesus Find Us Watching?

When He Comes in Glory By and By

PRAYER

Holy

COMMUNION
OFFERING

(Sung during offering:)
Sing Hallelujah to the Lord

SCRIPTURE READING – Acts 17:1-4

(COOL KIDS DISMISSAL)
Days of Elijah

SERMON

Jesus is Coming Soon (1,3)

SHEPHERD’S MOMENT

In Christ Alone (4)