The Banquet

THE BANQUET

The table was set,

The people all there,

To each was appointed,

A place and a chair.

The room was a hub-bub

Of bustle and noise,

But quickly fell silent

At our Saviour's voice.

"Come to My table'

Come children and eat;

Come drink from My wine cup

And taste of My meat

The wine it was bitter

When I left this earth,

But it grows ever sweeter

At each sinner's new birth.

There are places a-plenty,

Too many are bare, -

Oh where are My children,

Who ought to be there?"

As we gaze at the seats,

Which are empty and cold,

Will we wonder, -- I hope not;

Whom we haven't told?

Is there someone needs telling,

There’s a place for them too?

Needs to hear of God’s loving.

From me or from you?

Is there someone needs telling,

There’s a way to be free?

Needs God’s plan of salvation.

Told from you or from me?

God will not condemn us.

Nor scold us to shame,

But He asks, and commands,

That we speak out His Name.

His Word brings salvation,

And faith, - when it’s heard,

But who’ll find salvation,

If none speak out the Word?

You can speak with a shout,

Like the preachers of old;

Or speak in a whisper,

If you’re not so bold,

But whispered or shouted,

The truth is the same,

We’re saved by the Blood

And the power of His Name.

When we’re called to the Banquet,

I know we will be,-

Encompassed by those,

Whom our Lord has set free.

And I hope and I pray,

That amongst them we’ll see,

The ones who heard of Him;

From you and from me.