Some years ago, I was inspired to craft a poem to celebrate the Lord Jesus Christ, that drew on two very different sources. The first is Robbie Burns' much-loved poem 'A Man's a Man for a' That', which dates back to the very end of the 18th century, and affirms that a person's character is of far greater worth than any aristocratic title or wealth. It was considered semi-revolutionary in its day for poking fun at arrogant aristocratic ways, but which looks forward to a day when all men can be brothers across the world.
The second source draws on much older material again. Back in the seventh century, a farmhand called Caedmon was inspired to sing of Heaven’s Kingdom, declaring that the Eternal Lord, the Guardian of Mankind, established Heaven as a roof for the children of men, and then created middle earth, appointing specific lands for different people. This inspired songster urged us to 'praise the keeper of Heaven’s Kingdom, the might of the Creator and His purposes, the work of the Father of glory.'
Here are glorious declarations that in no way need to be confined to a Burns' nights, but which ring out loud and clear the invitation to devote ourselves not to some earthly cause or ruler, but to following the true Saviour of the world, the Lord Jesus Christ where and however He leads us.
To discover more of how Caedmon came to write this piece, and why it is so precious and important to ponder how we can combine and apply the power of music and anointed words, please see https://ruachministries.co.uk/eternal-pageant-heavens-kingdom-and-the-power-of-music/ and also this section from The Still Small Voice: https://ruachministries.co.uk/the-still-small-voice-heavenly-music/
Thank you so much Megan for singing it so beautifully, and for the musicians joining you in this all-but-unrehearsed recording.
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Now we must honour Heaven’s King,
His power and His purpose,
The handiwork of Glory’s might,
Establishing His wonders.
And under Heaven’s roof
He made The Sons of God, His glory;
The Guardian of mankind, and Lord,
The Father of Creation.
When Jesus came by Galilee
He lifted hearts and minds
Of humble folk who turned to Him
While others passed Him by:
He spread His kingdom near and far,
The healer o’ men’s souls.
No heeder He of human rank
But man his goal and gold.
And though on homely fare He dined
He feasts at Heaven’s banquet
As King of Kings He’s far above
the tinsel show and all that.
Though bruised by men and put to death,
He’s King of Kings for all that,
And soon He’ll come back for His own
And claim His world for freedom.
He princes makes of high and low,
The ruler and the cowman,
The poor and simple, lost and lone
Are made His sons and daughters.
So sing this song that tells the tale
of how He fashions all things.
And knee and tongue the whole world o’er
Shall worship at His feet.
Now see the pageant through the years
of those who follow Jesus,
the Lamb the centre of the throne
with thousands milling round
The Prince of Peace and Lord of Lords
with crowned head and radiance
No room in here for haughty stare:
He looks and laughs at all that.
The Heaven’s opened, and behold
A white horse passing by
It's rider’s name, The Faithful One
Who wages war for peace.
And from His mouth a sharpened sword
To strike the scoffing nations
His eyes like burning flames of fire,
And crowned with many crowns.
Then let us pray His Kingdom come
as come it will right soon
when Love Himself will be the King
His throne room in our hearts.
The singing choirs salute the sight
As He returns to Earth
And we shall see Him as He is,
The King and Saviour true.
