Acts 1.15-17, 21-26
1 John 5.9-13
John 17.6-19
8.7.8.7.D.
Possible tune – Abbot’s Leigh (H&P 774, R&S 530)
Jesus points to the completion
Of the scriptures ancient plan,
For his life and death give meaning
To the whole of Israel’s span.
Now what started with twelve children
Waits to hear the Spirit’s voice,
Meanwhile Justus and Matthias,
Ready stand to face God’s choice.
Thus renewed the twelve are holding
Christ’s own flock in unity,
Like twelve tribes, by God protected,
‘Til the Spirit sets them free-
Born then into life eternal,
By belief in God’s own Son,
Living out Christ’s prayer and promise,
That in him all will be one.
But the gift of life means risking
All that has been held as dear,
With the coming of God’s Spirit,
Unknown voices we will hear,
Taking up the gospel story,
Not confined in ancient moulds,
Building on the Twelve’s foundations,
As the church’s tale unfolds.
Still the church must wait God’s choosing,
As today the lot is cast,
Shaping her to meet the challenge
Of the future, not the past.
Travelling on ‘neath God’s protection,
Armed with love the world we face,
‘Til in God’s renewed creation
Judas too will find a place.
© Alan Hinton 2000,
Permission given for use and private distribution, but not for commercial publication in any form.
