1872. The publishing date for a book of poems titled, The Shadow of the Rock*. Listen for your spirit to resonate – look for it to connect – with these long ago words of a fellow Believer.
HE KNOWETH ALL
The twilight falls, the night is near,
I fold my work away,
And kneel to One who bends to hear
The story of the day.
The old, old story; yet I kneel
To tell it at Thy call;
And cares grow lighter as I feel
That Jesus knows them all.
Yes, all! The morning and the night,
The joy, the grief, the loss,
The roughened path, the sunbeam bright,
The hourly thorn and cross.
Thou knowest all – I lean my head,
My weary eyelids close;
Content and glad while to tread
This path, since Jesus knows!
And He has loved me! All my heart
With answering love is stirred,
And every anguished pain and smart
Finds healing in the Word.
So here I lay me down to rest,
As nightly shadows fall,
And lean, confiding, on His breast,
Who knows and pities all!
1872…Something very special happens to me when I consider the longevity of faith’s journey. Throughout the ages folks have knelt with burdened hearts and bowed in humble adoration. For thousands of years.
My grandfather taught me to kneel before the Lord. He taught by example. He taught with humility. He didn’t instruct with words; he showed me on bended knee. Countless nights I peered at him through the eyes of a young child, sneaking a peek at this Godly man as he met with his Savior at the close of the day. He didn’t know I was standing at the door. Watching. Learning.
“For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His spirit in the inner man (Ephesians 3:14-16).
On bended knee.
Where two worlds collide in a beautiful lovestory…from generation to generation.
*The Shadow of the Cross, (New York: Anson D.F Randolph and Co.), 1872.
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What a beautiful way to start my day. Your words convicted me, reminded me that even though my grandchildren see me reading and studying God's Word, and even though I pray with them, they don't see me on my knees.
They need to.
Thank you, Nan.
Vonda, you blessed me. When I think of my grandfather, the image of him kneeling in prayer is the first thing I see. He was a special man. When I found this old poem I immediately thought of him and the legacy of faith he left for me. What a powerful thought it is to see faith in the Lord Jesus Christ exist throughout the ages. Love you!
Oh Nan, what a post! Where 2 worlds collide…what a way for them to collide…in prayer. With the fact of not growing up in a church who taught being on your knees, it's a comfort for me to see that in you. Though we don't get to see one another physically, you've taught me so much about being on my knees. I've watched the example you've shown me over these last few years. I will be forever greatful for that. Love you, ssweet friend!
Thank you sweetheart. You've taught me about persistence in the face of adversity. I'm so thankful God brought you into my life. I love you.
Beautiful! It also reminds me of my beginnings. I met the Lord through the pious journey of my mum and grandmum. They were both raised in Catholicism but had a walk with the Lord that transcended their denomination of origin. I still remember when my mum was walking me through the First Communion classes. Even though there are things today I wouldn't agree doctrinally speaking, there was still a simplicity in the "just talk to Jesus" and my little heart was always hungry and thirsty for more. I remember a card I received from my teacher on finishing the course. She told me she felt I had the heart of a seeker.
More than 20 years later, I'm still seeking. And my current walk of faith is the result of not one, but MANY people who prayed for me and MANY people He sent to talk to me. I remember receiving little tracts from Evangelical churches. I always took them and when I was alone I read them and said the prayers.
Sometimes seeds take time to become plants. But let's take courage. Not a void that is spoken by God ever returns void!
"…the heart of a seeker…" I think this describes you completely. God has His mighty hand on you little lady. I'm excited to watch it unfold. Bless you!