When I first imagined the following scene, I saw my favorite vocalist Jon Anderson, co-founding member of the band “Yes”, being eternally lost and ashamed at the judgment seat of Christ. I saw his life’s work as being of no positive consequence because of his apparently universalist view of God, and because of his rejection of Jesus Christ as lord and savior. However, as I thought more about his heart, his life, and the testimony of much of his amazing music, and when I considered the mercy of God, I realized that he is not yet lost: the God who is Love has not given up on him. The following dialogue is how I prefer, hope and pray for his appearance at the throne to transpire.
“In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead…” (Paul, 2 Timothy 4:1).
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THE HOUND OF HEAVEN
Francis Thompson in his poem, “The Hound of Heaven” (note 1) described the pursuit of his soul by God’s passionate and unrelenting love. I pray that such love will overtake Jon before his time in this world is over. Jon’s ending line in Yes’s masterpiece, “Awaken” (2) reads as follows:
“Like the time I ran away, turned around and you were standing close to me”.
JON ANDERSON AT THE JUDGMENT SEAT
“Jon, I am so pleased to see you here.”
“Oh Lord… I worship you. You are truly the only Lord. I freely confess it: Jesus Christ is Lord of heaven and earth… the creator and sustainer of all things!” (Falls on knees, face to the ground).
“Please stand up, Jon. Stand up and tell me why you are here.“
(Stands). “Oh Lord, you know why.”
“Yes, I know. I know your heart. I know your life. I know your beginning and your end. I know every word you have ever uttered and every thought that ever crossed your mind. But I want to hear it from your own lips and from your own heart: why are you here?”
“I… I’m here because I’m a fallen son of Adam. I am fallen, and you are perfect. I’m here because I failed to seek you during most of my life. But I’m also here by your mercy because you died on the cross to take the penalty of my sin. I’m here, oh Lord, because you pursued me and spoke to my heart every day of my life. You loved me in spite of my obstinacy; in spite of the attitude I had towards you until I was old. I’m here because my friends had enough conviction and love to defend your name in front of me. I ignored what they said for years, but their words found a home in me. Mostly Lord, I’m here because you never gave up on me, and I finally heard your voice. I think I always knew you were there”
“I followed your life and your career closely Jon. I saw that you had a heart and a love for God, and for the beauty and glory of creation. I could see that you were searching and longing in your own guarded way for truth. I inspired and directed some of your music and your words, because I can use whoever I want to bring glory to myself.”
“I also heard what you said about me for many years – that I was just one of many; that I was just another good man; that I wasn’t who I said I am; that all roads lead to God. I heard you say that my way was too narrow. You were essentially calling the Son of God a liar.“
“For many years you encouraged your followers to seek a generic, uncertain light. You taught them to believe in the evolution of man and the evolution of soul. You failed them Jon.“
“I did say all of those things Lord, many times. I ignored your glory, your testimony, your words, and your sacrifice. I did not seek you because of my pride and my prejudice against your way. I confess my sin to you oh Lord. Forgive me – I have no excuse. I thought I was doing good but I wasn’t. I thought I was glorifying you. I thought I was being fair and kind to people of other faiths.”
“I heard you. You did glorify God in your own way. You called Him the Master of Light, the Master of Soul and the Master of Time (2) and so He is. You were correct in some of your words, and in your own mistaken way you did indeed glorify the eternal God over all. I saw you worship Him publicly. You struck a chord in the hearts of many thousands of people who were also searching for light and truth, but you did not point them to me – the Lord of light and truth. You had a good heart Jon, but you did not follow me, the only Way to life, until you were old. Now you are here, and now you see me and you see who is truly the Master of light and soul and time, and all things. Now you know that Truth is narrow and singular. Now you know that Truth is more important than human fairness.“
“Yes Lord, now I know the truth. I can see it in all your incredible beauty and power. You are the only one who deserves all glory and all praise, eternally. Forgive me for my failure Lord. Thank you for dying for me. Have mercy on me… please forgive me… have mercy… please. I just want to be with you, Lord, as I really always did.”
“I knew you always did, deep down. That’s why I never gave up on you. I forgive you Jon. I died for your sin before you were born. Your heart was good. I forgive you because at the end of your life my truth became unavoidably apparent to you and you committed your eternal soul to me. You finally saw the light as it really is, and you humbled yourself before me and before my Name. I forgive you because many, many of my people were praying for you. I forgive you Jon, because I love you. I have always loved you and I will always love you. There will be no end to my love for you.“
“Welcome to my heaven – your eternal home! Well done, good and faithful servant!”
NOTES
1 http://www.houndofheaven.com/poem
2 YES, “Awaken” from the album “Going For The One”.
Fuel for Faith, Food for Thought 