O Great God, Our King
Christ is King. Almost everyone in the church would agree with that statement.
He’s the Son of God, seated on a throne, ascended to the right hand and all that… But, again, listen.
Christ is your King. He’s the King of you (and the jungle and sea, but I digress). How often do we think of Christ’s rule extending over absolutely everything? Everything in creation, everything in heaven and on earth and below, everything in you? Beyond that, the rule of Christ is no mere fact, it is a force. Scripture teaches us that Christ holds everything together in creation. In other words, everything exists at all times everywhere because Jesus makes the sovereign choice that it should continue existing. This is amazing power!
Let’s make it personal, Jesus is King over our sinful lives. In fact, he carries out a war against our sin, he fought for us at the gates of hell, defeating sin and death. This war carries on, when the Holy Spirit convicts of sin and you cannot sleep for the burning in your heart. Christ’s war continues until you repent. And He will win.
The often quoted poem Invictus by Victorian poet William Henley ends with the phrase “I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul.” This could be considered the most anti-Christian poem ever penned. Thankfully, since we know how things go when we act like the masters of our own fates (Adam and Eve), we can sing a different song. Instead of “I am the master…”, we say, “O great God of highest heav’n, occupy my lowly heart.” Instead of, “I am the captain of my soul” we say, “Own it (my heart) all and reign supreme, conquer every rebel pow’r.” We can joyfully accept Christ’s Lordship in our lives because, not only is Christ amazingly powerful, but he is also merciful and kind; a truly good King!
This Sunday we’ll be singing our non-invictus song, “O Great God.” Read through the lyrics below and reflect on Christ as King in your life. Reflect on those areas of your life where you still say, “I am the master…” and repent. Sing these words instead.
O great God of highest heav’n, Occupy my lowly heart
Own it all and reign supreme, Conquer every rebel pow’r
Let no vice or sin remain, That resists Your holy war
You have loved and purchased me, Make me yours forevermore.
I was blinded by my sin, Had no ears to hear Your voice
Did not know your love within, Had no taste for heaven’s joys.
Then Your Spirit gave me life, Opened up Your Word to me,
Through the gospel of Your Son, Gave me endless hope and peace
Help me now to live a life, That’s dependent on Your grace
Keep my heart and guard my soul, From the evils that I face.
You are worthy to be praised, With my every thought and deed
O great God of highest heav’n, Glorify Your name through me.
You can listen to our new song HERE.