Across the Lands by Stuart Townend and Keith Getty 2002

You’re the Word of God the Father,
From before the world began;
Every star and every planet
Has been fashioned by Your hand.
All creation holds together
By the power of Your voice:
Let the skies declare Your glory,
Let the land and seas rejoice!

You’re the Author of creation,
You’re the Lord of every man;
And Your cry of love rings out
Across the lands.

Observe: Stuart Townend’s modern hymn begins with familiar words that draw our attention to the beginning of John’s gospel.

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.” (John 1:1–3).

John supremely summarizes how the ‘word’ which was with God in the very beginning broke into the realm of time and space, sent by the Father to become the Jesus of history, so that the glory and grace of God might be uniquely and perfectly revealed.

David sang, “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.” (Psalm 19:1), and Paul wrote, “…he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” (Colossians 1:17). But as John began with praise to Jesus the Word, so he ends with Jesus’ timeless encouragement to all of those redeemed by him. “Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” (Revelation 22:12–13).

Have a blessed Lord’s Day as you, joyfully cry, “To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.” (Psalm 25:1).

Blessings,

Pastor Don