Ruth, Prophecy, Science, and the angel with the flaming sword

Julie Swannell

 

We had such an interesting meeting on Wednesday night, with a bunch of callers from Brisbane and Sydney. 

All the sharing in the testimony period was helpful, and it was especially interesting for book clubbers who have recently made a study of the hymnal, to hear a comment about the hymns from one of the participants, Jack Gregory. 

Jack has contributed to our book club before and I’m sure he won’t mind if I pick up on what he shared.

Jack pointed out that hymn 297 gives us a wonderful explanation of what Christian Science is and does.  The “fine words” (see Hymnal Supplement p. 296) are by Roberta B. Lynch and first appeared in the Christian Science Sentinel February 2, 1929.  (You can of course find the original poem at http://jsh-online.com or at a Reading Room in the bound volumes of the Sentinel.)

This hymn joyfully proclaims Science (i.e. Christian Science) in the following terms:

-        Angel with the flaming sword

-        God’s gift, the glory of the risen Lord

-        Light of the world, in whose light we can see Father and perfect Son, blest unity

-        Calm of Shekinah where hope anchors fast

-        Harbor of refuge till the storm be past

-        Sweet, secret place where God and men do meet

-        Horeb whereon we walk with unshod feet

-        Place of communion with the Lamb of God

-        Fold where the sheep must pass beneath His rod

-        Ark where the dove may close her faltering wings

-        Love’s law divine that makes us priests and kings

-        Loosener of prison bands at midnight hour, of self-forged chains that fall through Love’s all-power

-        Christ’s morning meal by joyous Galilee

And it concludes with this triumphant finale: Science, thou dost fulfil all prophecy, which is interesting for us this month as we read the story of Ruth.  Now where does she fit in prophecy?  And to bring it right up to date: where do we fit in prophecy?

Seems like a good one to learn by heart to me.  By the way, the tune (Dalkeith) was originally written for the hymn “Abide with me”.

 

Thanks Jack!