Perfect theology

Pleased to report hearing two sermons this week where the preacher stuck to the text like a train to the tracks!

During one service we sung this hymn. Its well known, I have sung it many times and not thought too much about it. But this time I noticed how perfect and complete its theology is ...

Lord, enthroned in heavenly splendour,
first-begotten from the dead,
You alone, our strong defender,
liftest up your people's head.
Alleluia,
Jesu, true and living bread.

Here our humblest homage pay we,
here in loving reverence bow;
here for faith's discernment pray we,
lest we fail to know you now.
Alleluia,
you art here, we ask not how.

Though the lowliest form does veil you
as of old in Bethlehem,
here as there your angels hail you,
Branch and Flower of Jesse's Stem.
Alleluia,
we in worship join with them.

Paschal Lamb, your offering, finished
once for all when you were slain,
in its fulness undiminished
shall for evermore remain,
Alleluia,
cleansing souls from every stain.

Life-imparting heavenly Manna,
stricken Rock with streaming side,
heaven and earth with loud hosanna
worship thee, the Lamb who died,
Alleluia,
risen, ascended, glorified.


G. H. Bourne (1840-1925)