Ten Thousand Times

“I heard the voices of many angels … ‘Worthy is the Lamb that was slaughtered to receive power, wealth, wisdom, might, honor, glory, and blessing.’”—Revelation 5:11–12 NASB

As a child, Henry Alford demonstrated an unusual hunger to serve God. Born in London in 1810, by age six he had written a manuscript entitled “Travels of St. Paul.” At the age of nine, he wrote a history of the Jews. When he was sixteen, he wrote in his Bible that he solemnly dedicated his life to God and “to do His work as far as in me lies.” This passion led to a life in which he served God in many ways, including being the dean of Canterbury Cathedral.

In 1867, he expressed his longing to spend eternity with Jesus in a hymn called, “Ten Thousand Times Ten Thousand.” He pictured myriads of angels and “the armies of the ransomed saints throng up the steep of light.” When all would be finished, and our “fight with death and sin” would be over, “what rush of alleluias fills all the earth and sky! What ringing of a thousand harps bespeaks the triumph nigh!” What a day of joy!

Perhaps reflecting the fact that his mother died when he was a child, Alford knew that on that day orphans would no longer be fatherless and widows would not be desolate. He longed for Jesus to come and reign. Today let your heart focus on praise and worship. Stop and thank God for His provisions, protection, and blessings! Rejoice! You will spend eternity with Him!

Reflection Question: Which of God’s blessings are you most thankful for today?