A hymn heard in church a week ago

James Montgomery wrote his hymn, Hail to the Lord's Anointed, in December 1821.

Obviously not privy to the ideology of 20th century liberationists, Montgomery understood the message of Jesus and the ancient church.

We sang his song last week in church.

I was moved.

Here are the first two verses:

Hail to the Lord’s Anointed,
Great David’s greater Son!
Hail, in the time appointed,
His reign on earth begun!
He comes to break oppression,
To set the captive free,
To take away transgression,
And rule in equity.

He comes with succor speedy
To those who suffer wrong;
To help the poor and needy,
And bid the weak be strong;
To give them songs for sighing;
Their darkness turn to light,
Whose souls, condemned and dying,
Are precious in His sight.

Montgomery's hymn was his interpretation of Psalm 72, a tribute to and job description for the reigning king and ultimate political figure in Israel.

We would do well to spend time reflecting on the message of both hymn and ancient psalm, especially as we consider the place of church and government in the nation's life and circumstance.