Saint John says that even in heaven there will be a song that can only be sung by those "who had been redeemed from the earth." Doubtless it is a song of triumph, a hymn of victory to the Christ who made us free. But the sense of triumph must come from the memory of the chain.
No angel, no archangel can sing it so sweetly as I can. To sing it as I sing it,
they must pass through my exile, and this they cannot do.
None can learn it but the children of the cross.
The Father is training thee for the part the angels cannot sing; and the school is sorrow.
In the darkest night He is composing your song.
In the valley He is tuning your voice.
In the storm clouds He is deepening your range.
In the rain showers He is sweetening your melody.
In the cold He is giving your notes expression.
And as you pass at times from hope to fear,
He is perfecting the message of your lyrics.
by George Matheson (1842-1906)
Scottish theologian and pastor who wrote the hymn "O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go"
Amazing Truth...brought me to tears.
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