And Yet Till Now Is Not Enough

God’s Mighty Arm awaits the Day

His perfect hatred to display

As holiness in wrath unfurled

Against a wicked, falling world.

So now the proud still prouder grow

As men contend they cannot know

That Fury’s Face, like flint, grows tough-

And yet till now is not enough.

 

There moves a Kindness in the earth

Compelling men to seek new birth

And flee to Christ, for there they find

God’s Savior sent unto mankind.

So one by one they’re added in

As men fear God and turn from sin,

And Grace extends its saving touch-

And yet till now is not enough.

 

O marvel at the awesome way

Perfection sets the Judgment Day

As when the cup of wrath is filled

And Grace completes what Love hath willed.

Then ev’ry soul, both damned and free

Will worship Christ eternally

And say, “His Name is glorious!”

“And yet till now is not enough.”

 

-- K. Hartnett, February 2003

 

This poem is typical of my contemplative meditations around the beginning of a new year.  I don't often write in rhyming couplets, but somehow it seemed natural for expressing these thoughts.