Jesus, Son of promise

(FESTIVAL)

a hymn for Palm Sunday

1 Jesus, Son of promise,

of whom the prophets write,

comes to lead his people

from darkness into light.

He rides towards the city

as eager lips proclaim,

“Bless’d is our Deliverer

who enters in God’s name!”

2 Jesus, the Messiah,

will soon ascend his throne:

Christ, though disregarded,

is God’s foundation-stone.

And soon the crowds are gathering

to wave their palms, and shout

“What a sight of wonder

the Lord has brought about!”

3 “Hail to God’s anointed!”

His followers raise a cheer,

yet for Christ their leader

a cross is drawing near:

for him no coronation

except a crown of thorn -

he must die as ransom

before the church is born.

4 Lamb of God, your suffering

has won the victory;

now beside your Father

you reign in majesty.

May we receive your cleansing

and bring you worthy praise,

Lord of love, our Saviour

and King through endless days!

~~~

Tune: FESTIVAL
Metre: 6.6.6.6.7.6.6.6 Key: E♭

Keyboard Demo:

Instrumental Performance:

Sources: Psalms 118:22-26; Zechariah 9:9; Mark 11:7-10; Luke 22:2; John 19:2; Galatians 1:3-5
Themes: corner-stone; coronation of Christ the King; cross; enemies; Palm Sunday; praise; redemption; triumphal entry

The third of three hymns set to John's tune FESTIVAL (see notes on 'Christmas-time is on the way'), this one was written during the week before Palm Sunday 2008, for a local Church to sing at their forthcoming service. Key elements were Jesus's entry to Jerusalem as prophesied, the excitement of the crowd, Jesus's statement that he was the rejected Cornerstone, and then his imminent death on the cross, followed by his triumph as God's amazing rescue-plan was accomplished, and at last his royal coronation.