Anxious Angels

"Awake, O sword, against My Shepherd, and against the Man that is My Fellow, saith the LORD of hosts: smite the Shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered" (Zechariah 13:7).  Then saith Jesus unto them... It is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad... Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He shall presently give Me more than twelve legions of angels?  But how then shall the Scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?" (Matthew 26:31,53,54). 

Awake, O sword!  At last it came,

When judgment fell upon our Savior

As Jesus bore our sin and shame

That we might have His saving favor. 

Our Shepherd for us had been smitten,

And in that day we were defended.

This Scripture long before was written;

The centuries of waiting ended. 

We see another sword was raised

As Peter would defend his Lord. 

Were anxious angels then amazed

Who would unsheathe their blazing sword? 

When Christ our Savior indicated

That angels at His side would stand,

Did angels hearken who awaited

To hear Him utter that command?

Yet how would Scriptures be fulfilled

That thus it must be done at last? 

The Lamb of God for us was killed

When all our sins on Him were cast. 

O Lord, the angels we envision

Awaiting anxiously Your call  

Were thus constrained by Your decision

To lay Your life down for us all.

Receive, O Lord, our heartfelt thanks

With all who worship You above,

As we join angels in their ranks

With saints who praise You for Your love.