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Who Is This King of Glory?
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 Savior’s Name till heaven’s rafters ring, and all the ransomed host proclaim “Behold, behold your King!” —Timothy Dudley-Smith, from A HOUSE OF PRAISE: COLLECTED HYMNS 1961-2001, Carol Stream: Hope Publishing Co., p. 49. ISBN 0-916642-74-7, © 2003 Hope Publishing Company, Carol Stream, IL 60188. All rights reserved. Used by permission. [This book is highly recommended.] 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 the jeers and curses of “Crucify him!” and "Give us Barabbas!"—or even “I never knew the man.” This is sobering, yes? And yet it makes God’s amazing grace even that much more amazing. Another of my favorite texts on the earthly life of Jesus deals with this same fickle crowd. Take a look at Samuel Crossman's “My Song Is Love Unknown” (www.wqotw.org/quote.php?date=2005-03-22).] Have a great week, Chip Stam Director, Institute for Christian Worship School of Church Music and Worship The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary Louisville, Kentucky www.wqotw.org www.sbts.edu/icw =========================== WORSHIP QUOTE OF THE WEEK: To subscribe, unsubscribe, or view a complete index of worship quotes, please visit http://www.wqotw.org =========================== |