Gregg DeMey 0:07
Welcome to Elmhurst CRC's daily dose of the word of God. It's Friday, November 18, and Sunday is coming. This is Gregg DeMay. I serve as Lead Pastor at Elmhurst CRC and this weekend's worship service is the final one of the church years, sometimes known as Christ the King Sunday. If ever there was a song that suited Christ the King Sunday, it is the hymn, "Crown Him with Many Crowns."
Gregg DeMey 0:31
The original six stanzas of that hymn mentioned six crowns, crown him the lamb upon the throne, crown him the Virgin son, crown him the Son of God, crown him the lord of love, crown him the lord of peace and crown him, the Lord of years. We will not be singing all six verses on Sunday, but there's a full version linked in the show notes if you'd like to hear it and practice ahead. "Crown Him With Many Crowns" was written by an English composer named Matthew Bridges, in the mid-1800s. And Matthew Bridges was part of what's known as the Oxford movement in England. The Oxford movement centered around pursuing the values and some of the texts of the early Apostolic Church. So, "Crown Him With Many Crowns" takes inspiration from the early churches emphasis that Jesus is Lord, King, Emperor, who is crowned with both suffering and glory. Hard for us Americans to think of it that way sometimes - maybe easier for our friends across the pond with Kings and Queens. But note these words from Revelation Chapter 19, that moved Matthew Bridges.
Gregg DeMey 1:43
God's word says: I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called faithful and true with justice. He judges and wages war. His eyes are like blazing fire. On his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood and his name is the word of God. Who is this person crowned with many crowns? Of course, it is Jesus himself.
Gregg DeMey 2:18
Let's pray together friends. Lord Jesus, we recognize that you are the king of the universe. And today, Lord, we want to affirm and reaffirm that you are the king of me too. And in your name we pray, Amen.
Gregg DeMey 2:35
He friends, there will be no devotions next week during the Thanksgiving holiday. We will resume on Monday, November 28, for the season of Advent. Peace.
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