A HYMN FOR TODAY
When this passing world is done,
When has sunk yon glaring sun,
When I stand with Christ on high,
Looking o’er life’s history,
Then, Lord, shall I fully know –
Not till then – how much I owe.
Oft I walk beneath the cloud,
Dark as midnight’s gloomy shroud,
But when fear is at the height,
Jesus comes, and all is light;
Blessed Jesus! bid me show
Doubting saints how much I owe.
When I stand before the throne,
Dressed in beauty not my own,
When I see Thee as Thou art,
Love Thee with unsinning heart,
Then, Lord, shall I fully know –
Not till then – how much I owe.
When the praise of heav’n I hear,
Loud as thunders to the ear,
Loud as many waters’ noise,
Sweet as harp’s melodious voice,
Then, Lord, shall I fully know –
Not till then – how much I owe.
E’en on earth, as through a glass,
Darkly, let Thy glory pass.
Make forgiveness feel so sweet;
Make Thy Spirit’s help so meet;
E’en on earth, Lord, make me know
Something of how much I owe.
7.7.7.7.7.7 – Robert M. McCheyne, 1837
Tune: SPANISH AIR
arr. Benjamin Carr, 1826
#746 in Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs, 2012
WHEN THIS PASSING WORLD IS DONE describes how the Christian’s reaction on the day of judgment. When he beholds the destruction of the world, the majesty of on His throne, and hears the rejoicing of heaven, only then will he realize how much he owes God. (1 Corinthians 13:8-12; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Galatians 3:27; Ephesians 2:5-6; 1 John 3:2; Revelation 14:1-2)
