Our Blessed Hope - C. Richard Phelps Sr.

When my father's mother went to be with the Lord in 1982 my grandfather was widowed for the second time. He opened his Bible to 1 Thessalonians 4 and in the quietness of his study he penned this poem. 

OUR BLESSED HOPE
by
C. Richard Phelps, Sr.
(Read I Thessalonians 4:13-18)


v. 13 - God would have His people to know, 
So that He might encourage their heart,
Of a hope that is ever a radiant glow
In times when loved ones depart.

These are “asleep” (in plainest words we’re told);
For them do not cry
As others have done since days of old
When those who are dear to them die.

For there are many about us who have no hope
Beyond this present life.
In the darkness of sin they forever grope
Through days of sorrow and strife.

v. 14 - But those who believe that Jesus died
And arose again from the tomb,
Have an unfailing hope that can turn the tide
And drive away all their gloom.

v. 15 - For souls of these whose bodies now
We lay beneath sod,
Will be brought again from heaven somehow
We’re assured by the Word of God. 

v. 16 - Our Lord will descend to earth’s dark rim 
With shout both loud and strong
To awaken the ones who belong to Him,
The redeemed, that blood-washed throng.

The voice of Michael will next be heard,
Giving a clear command,
For his angels to await his signal word
For the conflict nigh at hand.

The trump of God will then resound
To summon on their way
All on earth His grace hath found
For whose sins Christ’s death did pay.

v. 17 - Together shall we, His spotless bride, 
Be caught up in the air
To meet the Lord, with Him to abide
And forever His glory share.

v. 18 - Take comfort then, O child of God,
The best is yet to be.
Keep serving Christ and onward plod
Till that great day we see.

Grandpa (Charles Richard Sr.) with Chad (III), Chase (IV), and Dad (Jr.)

Charles Richard Phelps Jr. and Charles Richard Phelps Sr.

Posted by Caleb