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Deep in the Shadows of the Past
1. Deep in the shadows of the past,
Far out from settled lands,
Some nomads traveled with their God
Across the desert sands.
The dawn of hope for humankind
Was glimpsed by them alone:
A promise calling them ahead,
A future yet unknown.
2. While others bowed to changeless gods
They met a mystery:
God with an uncompleted name,
"I am what I will be";
And by their tents, around their fires,
In story, song, and law
They praised, remembered, handed on
A past that promised more.
3. From Abraham to Nazareth
The promise changed and grew,
While some, remembering the past,
Recorded what they knew,
And some, in letters or laments,
In prophecy and praise,
Recovered, held, and re-expressed
New hope for changing days.
4. For all the writings that survived,
For leaders, long ago,
Who sifted, chose, and then preserved
The Bible that we know,
Give thanks, and find its promise yet
Our comfort, strength, and call,
The working model for our faith,
Alive with hope for all.
WORDS: Brian Wren, 1973
MUSIC: Annabeth McClelland Gay, 1952
Scripture: Exodus 3:13-14
Theme: Holy Scripture