Above the circle of the earth
It is he who sits above the circle of the earth, and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers; who stretches out the heavens like a curtain, and spreads them like a tent to dwell in; who brings princes to nothing, and makes the rulers of the earth as emptiness. – Isaiah 40:22,23
(Sung to the tune of Ride On In Pomp & Majesty)
Above the circle of the Earth
Sits one who gave himself in love
A shameful death for us he died
Upon a cross was crucified
No worshipper of war believes
what He, a man of peace, did know
He did not shun a death to die
He knew that after grave is sky
Now since he died and rose again
The mystery of our God is known
He’s not a vengeful, hurtful God
But loves us dearly as His own
The gospel once so pure and clear
Is still revealed and still revered
God’s sacrifice so freely giv’n!
It quenches all the wrath of Man!
The anger of the Lord of all
Works righteousness in place of sin
A wondrous and a loving thing
It lasts a moment, then is gone!
The wrath of Man all havoc brings
– the violence of the ones who sin!
Who blame and kill, feel justified
Because they know not Him who died
Christ like a trusting lamb was slain
and blamed and shamed, though all divine!
For us He died, to change our ways
To open up your eyes and mine
A victim we will sometimes be
Of mad injustice clothed as light!
But do not fear your God is near
And death is but the end of Death!
And those still left when I have passed
The Comforter will bless and keep
And teach them all His holy ways
And lift their hearts and bring forth praise
To Him who sits above the Earth
Great majesty and love ascribe
– We who share in Adam’s death
Will rise to share our Jesus’ life!
With this great hope we venture forth
To live our lives in untold health
And we’ll oppose the “powers-that-be”
When victimizing ways we see.
So come Lord Jesus be our guest
Inhabit mind and word and breast
We will bring honour to our King
and humbly, as we serve and sing!
All glory to You Three-in-One
Above the circle of the Earth
You live down here among us when
We live like Christ, the “Son of Man”!
– Jub 6/6/2011