~* LOOK, YE SAINTS! THE SIGHT IS GLORIOUS *~ Thomas Kelly, 1769-1854 And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true and thy ways, thou King of saints. Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest. Revelation 15:3 & 4 Ascension Day, when we commemorate the translation of our Lord to Heaven, is often a neglected observance in the lives of many Christians. It occurs 40 days after the Resurrection; and though it never falls on a SonDay by the Gregorian Calendar, the Lord's Day following Ascension Day is designated as Ascension SonDay. It is certainly one of the important events of the life of Jesus Christ, and it should be celebrated along with His birth, death, resurrection, the arrival of His Holy Spirit at Pentecost, His coming in the clouds for His bride the church, and the promised Second Coming to rule and reign for a thousand years. It is always thrilling to relive with our imagination the ascension scene on Mount Olivet described in Acts 1. There was the parting blessing from the Lord to His disciples and His final instructions regarding their mission to be worldwide witnesses after being empowered by the Holy Spirit. The Holy One Who had been nailed to a Roman cross just a short time before was dramatically taken up before their very eyes. And the two men dressed in white who suddenly appeared reminded the disciples that Jesus Christ's ascension must always be related to His return-- "This same Jesus...shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven." (Acts 1:11). "Look, Ye Saints! The Sight is Glorious!" is generally regarded as one of the finest ascension hymns in the English language, one that is worthy of much greater use than it normally receives. Its author, Thomas Kelly, is recognized as one of Ireland's finest preachers, as well as one of its most distinguished spiritual poets of the 19th Century. Look, ye saints! the sight is glorious: See the Man of Sorrows now; From the fight returned victorious, Every knee to Him shall bow; Crown Him, crown Him, Crowns become the Victor’s brow! Crown the Savior! angels, crown Him; Rich the trophies Jesus brings; In the seat of pow'r enthrone Him, While the vault of Heaven rings; Crown Him, crown Him, Crown the Savior King of kings! Sinners in derision scorned Him, Mocking thus the Savior’s claim; Saints and angels crowd around Him, Own His title, praise His name; Crown Him, crown Him, Spread abroad the Victor’s fame! Hark, those bursts of acclamation! Hark, those loud triumphant chords! Jesus takes the highest station; O what joy the sight affords! Crown Him, crown Him, King of kings and Lord of lords! *For Today*: Luke 24:50 & 51; Acts 1:1-10; Philippians 2:6-11; Hebrews 2:9 Rejoice in the truth that your Lord not only rose triumphantly but ascended into Heaven victoriously to be your personal representative before the Father! And keep in mind, 'every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father....' That point in history has not yet come! The Lord, the Lamb of God, Yeshua Messiah, Jesus Christ the Righteous.... He was not crowned at the Ascension, though I've no doubt the sight was indeed glorious! When reading or singing the words to this hymn of the faith, know that if you are a blood-bought child of God you will be there when Jesus Christ is crowned Lord of all! Music Taken from Amazing Grace -- 366 Inspiring Hymn Stories for Daily Devotions © Copyright 1990 by Kenneth W. Osbeck. Published by Kregel Publications, Grand Rapids, MI. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Return to Hymn Devotionals Index