I've always found royalty fascinating.
Something about the seemingly glamorous lifestyles of kings and queens, princes and princesses intrigues me, and my ears always tend to perk up when I hear news about a royal family. Although I really don't know what about royalty piques my interest, I can say for certain that I'm not alone.
Recently, news of the "royal engagement" of Prince William and Kate Middleton has been featured on multiple magazine covers, news reports and internet home pages. Americans just can't get enough of the mystery of royalty. What do they do? Are they like me? Are they happy?
For Robert Grant, royalty was no mystery. Born in England in 1772, Robert grew up in a world of politics. His father was a Member of Parliament, and Robert followed in his footsteps. He became King's Sargent in the Court of the Duchy of Lancaster and entered Parliament in 1818.
But in addition to being a powerful politician directly involved in royal affairs, Robert was also a devout Christian. One day in the early 1830s, during a personal study of Psalm 104, he began to lists the comparisons of Christ, the King of Kings, to British Royalty.
Robert meditated on the Scripture, which speaks of Christ, who "makes the clouds His chariot" and is "clothed with honor and majesty." There, he penned the words,
"O Worship the King, all glorious above
And gratefully sing His power and His love;
Our Shield and Defender, the Ancient of Days,
Pavilioned in splendor and girded with praise."
Even though Robert was surrounded by the "glory" of British royalty, he recognized the unsurpassable glory of Christ, and humbly called others to do the same through his hymn, "O Worship the King," which was published in 1833.
Amidst a world that exalts earthly power and kingship, do we, fellow believers, recognize the majesty and splendor of our Heavenly Father, who "makes the clouds His chariot" and give Him the praise that He alone deserves? What a joy! What a privilege to worship and serve the One who holds the king's heart in His hands(Prov. 21:1)!
How trivial the works of even the most powerful men seem when compared to the greatness of our Lord!
Will you join me today in worship of the true King?