Monday, April 13, 2009
Easter Monday
RING OUT, EASTER CHIMES!
In the 19th century there was a man of Jewish descent named Alfred Edersheim. He became a Christian minister and wrote a number of books using his knowledge of the Jewish language and writings. He spent about seven years working on what was to become his best-known book, "The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah," and he finished the manuscript on Easter morning. The final section had dealt with the Ascension of Jesus recorded in the last verses of Luke. Edersheim had written: "Amen! It is so. Ring out the bells of heaven; sing forth the Angelic welcome of worship; carry it to the utmost bounds of earth! Shine forth from Bethany, Thou Sun of Righteousness, and chase away earth's mist and darkness, for Heaven's golden day has broken!"
Following those words, he then added this Easter postscript:
"Easter Morning, 1883. Our task is ended -- and we also worship and look up. And we go back from this sight into a hostile world to love, and to live, and to work for the Risen Christ. But as earth's day is growing dim, and, with earth's gathering darkness, breaks over it heaven's storm, we ring out -- as of old they were wont, from church-tower, to the mariners that hugged a rock-bound coast -- our Easter-bells to guide them who are belated, over the storm-tossed sea, beyond the breakers, into the desired haven. Ring out, earth, all thy Easter-chimes; bring your offerings, all ye people; worship in faith, for -- 'This Jesus, Which was received up from you into heaven, shall so come, in like manner as ye beheld Him going into heaven.'
'Even so, Lord Jesus, come quickly!'"
