Worship the King

India became central to the life of Robert Grant. His father, a member of England’s Parliament, relocated the family to India when he became a director of the East India Company. There, Grant was born on this day in 1778 in Malda, India. While the family eventually moved back to England, Grant never escaped his attraction for India.

As an adult, Grant followed his father’s example and became involved in politics, eventually becoming a Member of Parliament. Advancing in government, he was knighted in 1834, and then returned to India as the Governor of Bombay.

Grant also was a strong Christian, who loved to write hymns. In 1833, overwhelmed by the glory of God, he wrote the hymn, “O Worship the King.” Filled with a sense of awe, he wrote how we are to worship Him, “all glorious above.” To be grateful to sing about “His power and His love.” We are to remember that He is “our Shield and Defender, the Ancient of Days, pavilioned in splendor, and girded with praise.”

He cried out that everyone might “tell of His might” and “sing of His grace.” How we experience His might as we watch the “deep thunderclouds” form, and sense His presence “on the wings of the storm.”

Grant described how we see His creative power all around us, and depend upon Him every day. How no one could cite the extent of His “bountiful care.” We easily can take Him for granted. But, reminding us that we are frail and feeble, Grant urged us to trust in God, for He never fails: “Thy mercies how tender, how firm to the end, our Maker, Defender, Redeemer, and Friend.”

Today, worship the King! He is worthy!