Michael W. Smith - The Great Day Lyrics
Lyrics
We met pain in a garden where we lived a lie
We met hope in a manger and a baby's cry
Rescued by hands bleeding grace
Are we ready to see His face?
On the great day
He will come to claim us with a rushing wind
Blown like fields of wheat, the world will bow and bend
Held between our joy and disbelief
Every trembling heart will finally face the same way
On the great day
One day Love will wear the crown; one day Love will set us free
Hands up high and faces down; angels teaching us to sing
He will be King, He will be King
He who scattered us on every distant shore
He will gather us unto Himself once more
Let the story of our footprints tell
We were walking well, holding high Your name
Until the great day
One day Love will wear the crown; one day Love will set us free
Hands up high and faces down; angels teaching us to sing
He will be King, He will be King
He will be the new sunrise
Steal the darkness from our eyes
When we fail to find the words
Holy, Holy we will cry
He will be the new sunrise
Holy, Holy we will cry
On the great day
Video
Michael W. Smith & Darlene Zschech - The Great Day(Second Coming) [Music Inspired by "The Story"]
Meaning & Inspiration
Michael W. Smith and Darlene Zschech’s "The Great Day," released on October 22, 2011, as part of the "Music Inspired by 'The Story'" album, stands as a profound theological reflection on humanity’s spiritual journey from the genesis of sin to the ultimate culmination of Christ's return. This collaborative effort transcends a mere musical piece, serving as a powerful narrative that traces salvation history through an evocative lyrical tapestry, urging believers to contemplate the vast sweep of God’s redemptive plan. The song's essence lies in its unwavering gaze towards the future, specifically the "Second Coming" as its subtitle suggests, while firmly grounding itself in the historical anchors of faith.
The song immediately establishes a comprehensive theological framework, beginning with a somber recognition of humanity’s fallen state: "We met pain in a garden where we lived a lie." This poignant opening alludes directly to Genesis 3, the Garden of Eden, where disobedience ushered sin and suffering into the world, severing humanity’s perfect relationship with God. Yet, this lament is swiftly followed by the advent of divine intervention: "We met hope in a manger and a baby's cry," pointing to the miraculous birth of Jesus Christ, as recorded in Luke 2. This contrast beautifully encapsulates the shift from humanity’s failure to God’s sovereign grace, initiating the long-awaited redemption. The narrative progresses to the pivotal act of salvation, "Rescued by hands bleeding grace," an unmistakable reference to the crucifixion of Jesus, whose sacrifice on Calvary (Isaiah 53, Romans 5:8) paid the price for sin, offering undeserved grace. This section culminates in a direct, introspective question, "Are we ready to see His face? On the great day," which sets the stage for the song's primary focus: the anticipation of Christ's glorious return, often referred to as the Day of the Lord (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, Revelation 1:7).
Moving forward into prophecy, "The Great Day" vividly portrays the majestic return of Christ: "He will come to claim us with a rushing wind." This imagery evokes power and divine presence, reminiscent of the mighty wind at Pentecost (Acts 2:2) but here signifies a far grander, universal event—the rapture and Christ's physical manifestation. The subsequent line, "Blown like fields of wheat, the world will bow and bend," paints a picture of universal submission, aligning with Philippians 2:10-11, which declares that "at the name of Jesus every knee should bow." This powerful display will elicit a complex emotional response: "Held between our joy and disbelief," capturing the joy of the redeemed facing their Savior and the profound realization, perhaps even dread, of those who rejected Him. Ultimately, "Every trembling heart will finally face the same way," indicating a universal acknowledgment of Jesus' sovereignty, whether in worship or in judgment (Romans 14:11).
The chorus serves as a powerful declaration of Christ's ultimate reign: "One day Love will wear the crown; one day Love will set us free." Here, Love is personified as Jesus Himself, emphasizing His very nature (1 John 4:8) and His rightful place as King of Kings (Revelation 19:16). His freedom is not merely political but spiritual, emancipating us from sin and death (John 8:36, Romans 8:2). The scene of worship is equally vivid: "Hands up high and faces down; angels teaching us to sing," depicting profound reverence and humility before God, mirroring the worship described in Revelation 7:9-12 and Revelation 5:9-14, where saints and angels unite in adoration. The repeated affirmation, "He will be King, He will be King," reinforces the immutable truth of His eternal dominion.
The song then shifts its focus to God's sovereign hand in history and His future gathering of His people. "He who scattered us on every distant shore" refers to the dispersion of humanity, perhaps after Babel (Genesis 11) or the wider spreading of peoples across the earth (Acts 17:26). Yet, this scattering is purposeful, leading to the promise: "He will gather us unto Himself once more," echoing prophecies of the elect being gathered from all nations (Matthew 24:31, Isaiah 11:12). This provides a profound sense of ultimate unity and homecoming. The lines, "Let the story of our footprints tell / We were walking well, holding high Your name / Until the great day," issue a stirring call to faithful living and evangelism. Our lives are meant to be a testimony, a story of purposeful discipleship and proclaiming Christ's name to the world (Matthew 28:19-20, Colossians 3:17), enduring faithfully until His glorious return.
Finally, "The Great Day" offers a breathtaking vision of the new heaven and new earth. "He will be the new sunrise / Steal the darkness from our eyes" portrays Christ as the eternal Light of the World (John 8:12), bringing an end to all spiritual blindness, sorrow, and night (Revelation 21:23-25, Revelation 7:16-17). In this glorious future, human language itself proves inadequate to express the depths of worship: "When we fail to find the words / Holy, Holy we will cry." This powerful imagery directly connects to the ceaseless worship of God’s holiness by the seraphim in Isaiah 6:3 and the heavenly beings in Revelation 4:8, signifying a perfect and unending adoration that transcends earthly limitations. The repetition of "Holy, Holy we will cry / On the great day" leaves a lasting impression of the profound, reverent worship that awaits all who are redeemed. "The Great Day" is more than just a song; it's a profound declaration of faith, a reminder of God's unfolding story, and an urgent invitation to live in light of eternity, preparing our hearts for the glorious advent of our King.