In the ordinary duties of the day

like Zachariah we have seen the vision in the sanctuary

but the contradictory visible calls forth unbelief

and we are unable to speak of those things we have seen

until the time appointed.

In the waiting the Beloved speaks of preparation

"For you have need, loved ones, of steadfast patience

that you may fully accomplish the will of God,

receiving and enjoying to the full what is promised."

For still a little while - a very little while -

and the Coming One will come and He will not delay.

Standing upon our post of observation

we watch to see what He will say within us:

Write the vision and engrave it so plainly on tablets

that everyone who passes by may be able to read it.

You are letters from Christ,

written not on tablets of stone but tablets of human hearts

to be known and read by everyone.

And when the vision is given birth,

many will say, "Let us name him Zachariah after his father."

But we will write on a tablet, "His name is John."

They will know it is of God, and not of men.

Our mouth will open and our tongue will be loosed

and we will speak, blessing and praising and thanking God.

But the vision, like John, is only meant to prepare the way

to further apprehend our glorious Lord.

For here is Another greater than John

and all mankind shall behold the salvation of God.

by

Sarah Maitland