Will there be no “recognition”
When we know as we are known?
When we meet, in full fruition,
Glorified, around the throne?
There each other’s faces seeing,
(Bright with beauty all of grace);
Shall we not the former being,
In the new perfection trace?
Star from star, in varied glory
Set, distinguished—we shall shine.
Small and great rejoice before Thee,
Saviour―God! in light divine!
Full assurance Thou halt given
To the objects of Thy choice,
Writing all our names in Heaven
Ere we heard the Shepherd’s voice.
Thou didst at Thy first creation
Call Thine every star by name,
For the heirs of Thy salvation,
Thou wilt more than do the same.
Individual is the story
Of Thy ways with every heart;
Here in grace, and there in glory,
Giving each his several part.
Oh, how brilliant the diffusion
There of the celestial light!
Past the shame of sin’s confusion;
Past the shadows of the night!
Love in purest fervor burning,
Knowing neither let nor change,
Whilst, Thy counsels all discerning;
Saints Thy universe shall range.
Here, across our time-condition,
Heralding a future scene,
Flit the gleams of “recognition”
Where the Saviour’s feet have been.
See him in transfiguration.
See those prophets marked by name;
Speaking, both, of God’s salvation
Ere His Lamb, led forth, was slain!
Witness of the Christ’s rejection,
Witness of the Father’s care;
Lazarus, in resurrection,
Can Death’s hidden things declare.
Mary, Martha, recognizing
Him whom Jesus put to sleep;
Is it to their faith surprising
Lazarus “by name” to keep?
Was the “matt in Christ,” in Heaven,
Thence no longer known as “Paul?”
Did the crowning favor given,
Make God’s former favor small?
Shall we doubt the “recognition,”
Each of all, around the Throne?
No! ‘twill be complete fruition―
“We shall know as we are known!”