This is a majestic song of praise from the Iona Community with their usual well written and relevant text. By linking his kingship to nature and love they find a new angle to make monarchy acceptable.
If you sang this with Bells’ setting MARBLE QUARRY to organ accompaniment it would soar. It is from Heaven Shall Not Wait.
I rolled out the BIAB fake organ for this backing.
1 Jesus is Lord of all, monarch of mountain and wave,
Fuser of wind and fire, sculptor of crag and cave.
Jesus is Lord! God’s mighty word creates:
Each feature, worn or wild, to his intent relates.
2 Jesus is Prince of Peace: atom and neutron must cower.
Hate roots their suspect strength, but suff’ring love’s his power.
Jesus is Lord! God’s mighty Word converts
Weapons to welcome signs as foe to friend reverts.
3 Jesus is King of Love. Enemy, neighbour and friend;
They, with the self, are bound in love which knows no end.
Jesus is Lord! God’s mighty Word engraves,
Bold on the cross, that Christ-like love disturbs and saves.
4 Jesus is heaven’s high priest; earth is his altar below.
Sectarian pride he chides that Christian faith may grow.
Jesus is Lord! God’s mighty Word unites.
Those whom the past divides, he to the feast invites.
5 Jesus is Lord of Life! To him let every mind bend:
For him let every pulse and never their purpose spend.
Jesus is Lord! God’s mighty Word requires
Hands, hearts and head to demonstrate what he inspires.
Words: John L. Bell & Graham Maule, copyright © 1987 Wild Goose Resource Group/ WGRG, Iona Community, Glasgow G2 3DH, Scotland. Melody: MARBLE QUARRY by John Bell. Websites: wgrg.co.uk & holycity-glasgow.co.uk