“Who Shall Fall on Bended Knee?”

“Then who shall fall on bended knee?” Have you ever paused at this question in the hymn, “All Creatures of Our God and King?” This line simultaneously stirs up awestruck praise and near sickening concern. At first consideration, what a beautiful truth that all will submit to Christ! (And it certainly is). He is King and that will one day be universally and unanimously acknowledged by all—this is just and so we rejoice at this justice finally realized. There will remain no sin, no death—none of the things in this life that make us long for Heaven. Everything about this sparks “yes!” and “amen!” in the heart of the believer. But there’s a one-two punch here: what of those who do not bow willingly? Instead of a Sovereign Savior, they bow before a Sovereign Judge only. What a tragic thought that any should not be in resounding praise with us before this moment on their own accord and instead to their judgment. Of course, we know this is truth and will be reality because Scripture promises