JESUS IS COMING SOON!

N. T. Meek

The great terminus is dreary,

Trav’llers show the signs of stress,

Day’s end and they’re tired and weary,

Crowded on their way they press.

See they stride across the forecourt,

Notice no one as they go,

Life is narrow, cramped and straitened,

‘Tis the only life they know.

Some are young, As yet the beauty

Of their youth has not gone past,

Some are middle-aged and clearly

Disillusionment comes fast.

Yet again the sick and aged,

Carrying their bags with strain,

Evidence our human weakness

As they struggle to the train.

Seething mass of human beings,

Whither go you on life’s way?

Say, what is your aim and purpose,

Know that you’re not here to stay!

Out from all the rush and turmoil,

Aged in years and slow in pace,

Moves an old man ‘cross the forecourt,

And what strikes you is his face.

Like all others on the station,

One of Adam’s fallen race,

But his countenance shines brightly,

Could it evidence God’s grace?

Note, he stops to speak to persons

As they rush to catch their train,

What, I wonder, is he saying,

Are his words expressed in vain?

Persons take but little notice,

You might think they do not hear,

But his face glows all the brighter

As I watch him coming near.

Shall I catch the old man’s message?

Will he stop to speak to me?

Stranger, tell me of your brightness

And what secret carry ye.

Now he’s almost right against me,

And his face is bright as noon,

Catch I then his radiant message—

‘Jesus, sir, is coming soon!’

On he passes through the turmoil,

And the crowds rush on their way,

But the message rings triumphant,

‘Jesus comes’, O what a day!

He who once was here rejected

And by sinful men despised,

By the builders scorned as worthless,

Comes again—God glorified.

What an answer to the sorrow,

Pressure, heartache, pain and woe,

(Legacy of sin for ages)

Jesus comes—it all will go!

Who the old man was I know not,

(But the Lord knows all His own),

And I ken that I shall see him

When we meet around God’s throne.

Meanwhile, fellow Christian, daily,

Sing it oft in joyful tune,

Let its import always guide you,

Jesus—He is coming soon!

(See note p.23).

June 1981

Based on an incident at Charing Cross Station, London—Ed.