Xanthe Hancox

Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow in heaven and on earth and under the earth,and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Philippians 2:9-11

Reverend E P Scott was a missionary, living in India during the 1800s. The story goes that one day, he met a man who looked unlike anyone he had ever seen before. He asked around and found out that the man was from a remote mountain people who came to the town once a year to trade. These people had never heard the gospel. Against the advice of his friends, Scott set out alone to visit their remote village. Several days into his journey, Scott was ambushed by a group of warriors who quickly surrounded him, spears pointed at his heart. With no hope of escape, Scott took out his violin, closed his eyes, and began to sing the following words in the a native language the warriors understood:

All hail the power of Jesus' name!

Let angels prostrate fall;

bring forth the royal diadem,

and crown Him Lord of all.

Bring forth the royal diadem,

and crown Him Lord of all.

After singing the first verse, the second, the third, and then beginning the fourth, Scott realised he was still standing. Opening his eyes he saw every spear lowered. There stood those mighty warriors, with tears in their eyes.

The hymn Scott sang is often called the National Anthem of Christendom. The lyrics were written by Edward Perronet and first published in the November 1779 issue of the Gospel Magazine, which, incidentally, was edited by the author of "Rock of Ages", Augustus Toplady.

Each verse of Edward Perronet’s hymn instructs a different group of people to praise Christ, and he leaves no one out. From the “chosen seed of Israel's race”, to “Sinners, whose love can ne'er forget” and “every tribe and every tongue”, all shall acknowledge the Jesus Christ is Lord.

As you reflect on this song and this verse today, ask yourself - do I praise him as he deserves to be praised? Do I follow Rev Scott’s example and truly magnify Jesus’ name with my life, my witness?

Prayer: All glory and praise to the Lamb that was slain. Thank you, Lord Jesus – may all who draw breath seek to praise your name. Draw us to you this morning so that we may praise you forever.

Listen to ‘All hail the power of Jesus’ name’ here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nth3glZF2GI