Empty Mansions–How Long?

In my dream one night I seemed to be
     In the earth made new by the crystal sea.
I walked and talked with my Saviour dear,
     And viewed the mansions so bright, so clear.
Their beauty was breathless, so gloriously fair
     But alas, not a soul was dwelling there.

‘They are all empty'–twas my Masters voice
     ‘Not My will,' He choked–‘'tis my people's choice.
Long years ago I would have brought them home
     Earth's jaded paths no more to roam.
But I'm not just sure that they want to come;
     The tinseled world still appeals to some.
I long to have my saved ones here
     Right by My side, so near, so near.
Instead I wait, and wait , and wait,
     While My loved ones down there still hesitate.'

‘Twas now my turn some words to say,
     As we walked and talked on the heavenly way.
‘How long, dear Lord, have we made You wait
     To welcome us in through that pearly gate
Long years ago should the work be done
     And God's loved ones home with His blessed Son.
Dear Saviour God, what can we do
     To haste that homeward flight with You?

‘How can I tell them on earth down there
     How much You love, how much You care?
How You long to fill these mansions here
     With precious souls to You so dear?
Lord, tell me now, what can I say?
     To make them want to haste that day?'

The Saviour paused as he made reply
     ‘Remind them now why I went to die,
‘Twas to bring them home to be with Me
     To fill these mansions, oh, can't they see
How much each one of them mean to Me
     I must have them all for eternity!'

Now I'm back on earth–yet twas all so real
     My heart still burns with my Lord's appeal.
His poignant words ring in my ears
     I long to assuage my Saviou's fears--
‘I'm just not sure that they want to come
     The tinsled world still appeals to some--
My friends, do we truly long to go home today,
     Or are we quite content in our world to stay?

Last Modified 23 March 2000