The 'Hour Of Test'.
(From Rev 3:10).

The hour of test --final temptation-- now imminent,
Will come upon human souls inhabiting the earth.

The righteous, who kept Christ's Word with
Endurance, will be excused because of their worth;

Were persecuted in word and deed, suffering holy
Ostracisms⁽¹⁾ but will inherit a holy crown,

The lowly and afflicted are promised a heavenly
Reward, from the One of Holy renown;

Are to be 'kept from the coming ordeal',
When Christ tests people in every land.

He will not judge by what he sees or hears,
But the poor, with justice, he has planned.

While millions plan to celebrate their
Unfaithful years with wild drunken sprees,

The 'thief'⁽²⁾ arrives to reward contemptuous
Ones with a righteous 'wasting disease.'⁽³⁾

                              (1) 'Ostracisms': Isaiah 66:5.                           (2) 'The thief': Luke 12:39,40.
                              (3) 'Wasting disease': 'Wasting with sickness, yet overflowing with righteousness'.
                                   (Isaiah 10:22 New English Bible footnote).