LMD
Christ came and called, to follow him,
To turn aside from every sin,
And walk the joy-filled, blesséd way,
That ushers in His kingdom day.
God does the poor in spirit bless –
Those who have seen their sinfulness,
Who call no righteousness their own –
To such Heaven’s kingdom now belongs.
And their response, in mourning dress,
To weep for lack of righteousness.
But all their tears will one day dry,
With comfort given from on high.
So meekly waiting on the Lord,
Attending to his gracious word,
Not taking vengeance by the sword,
The earth shall be their great reward.
Then, hunger building in their soul,
They thirst for righteousness made whole,
And God will answer their heart’s plea,
And promises to fill their need.
The grace shown to such sinful ones,
Shapes merciful response in turn,
And God declares that once again,
His mercy shall to them be given.
Their hearts shall hold no other claim,
Be undivided: one pure aim.
And so Christ says: the God they seek,
They’ll one day stand before and see.
In imitating God above,
Peacemakers they shall be in love,
And so they shall be known as they
Who follow their good Father’s way.
And those who seek to live this way,
Shall persecuted, hated be.
Yet bless’d they are, through all their pain:
For Heavén’s kingdom is their gain.
The salt and light, in this dark world;
A city shining, flags unfurled;
Undimmed, unhidden, unafraid:
For bless’d are all Christ called and saved.
James W. Shrimpton (2018)
CCLI Song ID: 7157229
Inspiration: The Beatitudes.
Suggested Tunes: Before the Throne, Jerusalem (Parry)