The Dungeon Flamed With Light

I was very moved by the afternoon worship session during the worship ministry's retreat today. And Can It Be brought tears to my eyes, although no one was quite quick enough to catch it. It was a humbling surprise, loaded with Wesleyan warmth against the frosty air-conditioning of the worship hall. Interestingly, I later realised that it was a moment I had once anticipated.

I recall scrutinising the lyrics of the hymn and acquiring a perfectly rational amazement about it not so long ago - I thought it was hard to imagine a worshipper devoid of emotional response toward the elegant presentation of such majestic truths. You can see the irony of the notion. So there I was, feeling quite useless about my newfound understanding. And I prayed to be enkindled, not just enlightened.

Let's put it this way. There is a reason why non-bible-believing bible scholars simply don't get the bible right. In the spirit of Babel, they start producing bilge like Higher Criticism, and in the process create even more gobbledygook. I believe God must be glorified inasmuch as truth must be analysed.

So today, I got what I wanted, owing to the grace of God and the ministry of the Holy Spirit. There is an overshadowing power about the gospel that makes tomorrow's Hendon Camp assessment (dis)appear like a vapour in the face of a solar wind. It is that powerful.

No condemnation now I dread;
Jesus, and all in Him, is mine;
Alive in Him, my living Head,
And clothed in righteousness divine,
Bold I approach th’eternal throne,
And claim the crown, through Christ my own.
Bold I approach th’eternal throne,
And claim the crown, through Christ my own.