Oh, Blessed Communion, Fellowship Divine

“’Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready.’ And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints. Then he said to me, ‘Write: ‘Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!’ And he said to me, ‘These are the true sayings of God.’” [1]

The word marriage conveys a blessed communion. A blessed fellowship! It’s what God has always wanted with us, namely togetherness.

“And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them and be their God.’” [2]

I like to sing the following hymn to celebrate this truth:

“For all the saints, who from their labors rest,
Who Thee by faith before the world confessed,
Thy name, O Jesus, be forever bless’d.
Alleluia, alleluia!

Thou wast their rock, their refuge, and their might,
Thou, Christ, the hope that put their fears to flight;
’Mid gloom and doubt, their true and shining light.
Alleluia, alleluia!

Oh, bless’d communion, fellowship divine!
We feebly struggle, they in glory shine,
Yet all are one in Thee, for all are Thine.
Alleluia, alleluia!

The golden evening brightens in the west.
Soon, soon to faithful servants cometh rest.
Sweet is the calm of paradise the bless’d.
Alleluia, alleluia!

But lo! There breaks a yet more glorious day;
The saints triumphant rise in bright array,
As God to glory calls them all away.
Alleluia, alleluia!

From earth’s wide bounds, from ocean’s farthest coast,
Through gates of pearl streams in the countless host,
All praising Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Alleluia, alleluia!” [4]

[1] Revelation 19:7-9
[2] Revelation 21:3
[3] “For all the Saints, who from their labor rest” Author: William Walsham How (1864)