God's Orchestra - A poem by Annie Johnson Flint

God's Orchestra

The great Composer writes the theme

And gives us each a part to play;

To some a sweet and flowing air,

Smooth and unbroken all the way;

They pour their full heart's gladness out

In notes of joy and service blent;

But some He gives long bars of "rests,"

With idle voice and instrument.

He who directs the singing spheres,

The music of the morning stars,

Needs, for His full creation's hymn,

The quiet of the soundless bars.

Be silent unto God, my soul,

If this the score He writes for thee,

And "hold the rest," play no false note

To mar His perfect harmony.

Yet be thou watchful for thy turn,

Strike on the instant, true and clear,

Lest from the grand, melodious whole

Thy note be missing to His ear.

Annie Johnson Flint

Ezekiel 3:26-27 And I will make thy tongue cleave to the roof of thy mouth, that thou shalt be dumb, and shalt not be to them a reprover: for they are a rebellious house. But when I speak with thee, I will open thy mouth, and thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; He that heareth, let him hear; and he that forbeareth, let him forbear: for they are a rebellious house.

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Vintage graphic by Ellen Clapsaddle (altered)