Lamenting the Loss

"Oh that My people had hearkened unto Me, and Israel had walked in My ways! I should soon have subdued their enemies... their time should have endured forever... He should have fed them also with the finest of wheat, and with honey out of the rock should I have satisfied thee" (Psalm 81:13-16). "Hear Me now therefore, O ye children, and depart not from the word of My mouth.... lest thou give thine honor unto others, and thy years to the cruel... and thou mourn at the last" (Proverbs 5:7-11).

The Lord laments what might have been
If only those had hearkened
Who turned away, exchanging then
His light for paths so darkened!

Hear His anguished lamentation
In that word "Oh!" expressed.
How He longed for their salvation
Whereby they could be blessed!

The lamentation of the fool
Shall also come at last
Whose life was given to the cruel
In years that now are past.

You loved us, Lord, to the extreme!
You could not bear the loss
Of sinners whom You might redeem
Upon that cruel cross!

Oh Lord, receive our thanks today
For love that sought us first.
When we like sheep had gone astray,
To save us, You were cursed!

Death, which was our enemy,
Was conquered when You died!
You gave us life eternally;
Our souls are satisfied.

We praise You, Lord, for wondrous love
That rescued us from wrath,
And from the lamentation of
Our broad, destructive path!