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"No Tramp of Soldiers' Marching Feet"
know that I am a friend and fan of British hymnwriter, Bishop Timothy Dudley-Smith. Today’s quote is a hymn text that points to the "kingly" irony of Palm Sunday. What kind of king is this Jesus? NO TRAMP OF SOLDIERS’ MARCHING FEET No tramp of soldiers’ marching feet with banners and with drums, no sound of music’s martial beat— "The King of glory comes!" To greet what pomp of kingly pride no bells in triumph ring, no city gates swing open wide: "Behold, behold your King!" And yet he comes. The children cheer; with palms his path is strown. With every step the cross draws near— the King of glory’s throne. Astride a colt he passes by as loud hosannas ring, or else the very stones would cry "Behold, behold your King!" What fading flowers his road adorn; the palms, how soon laid down! No bloom or leaf but only thorn the King of glory’s crown. The soldiers mock, the rabble cries, the streets with tumult ring, as Pilate to the mob replies, "Behold, behold your King!" Now he who bore for mortals’ sake the cross and all its pains and chose a servant’s form to take, the King of glory reigns. Hosanna to the Saviour’s Name till heaven’s rafters ring, and all the ransomed host proclaim "Behold, behold your King!" —Timothy Dudley-Smith, from LIFT EVERY HEART: COLLECTED HYMNS 1961-1983 AND SOME EARLY POEMS, © 1984 Hope Publishing Company, Carol Stream, IL 60188. All rights reserved. Used by permission. For permission to copy or use this hymn, please contact: Hope Publishing Company, 380 S. Main Place, Carol Stream, IL 60188 1-800-323-1049, Fax: (630) 665-3200 Email: permission@hopepublishing.com www.hopepublishing.com [My yearly discomfort with Palm Sunday lies in the realization that I, too, would have gladly waved my palm branches and shouted my "HOSANNAS" to the "King of glory"; but, most likely, I would have been in the crowd that traded those cheers for jeers of "Crucify him!" — or even "I never knew the man." This is sobering, Yes?; and it makes God’s amazing grace even that more amazing. Another of my absolute favorite texts on the life of Jesus deals with this same fickle crowd. Take a look at "My Song Is Love Unknown" < Have a great week, Chip Stam Director, Institute for Christian Worship School of Church Music and Worship Southern Baptist Theological Seminary Louisville, Kentucky www.carlstam.org www.sbts.edu |