All glory, laud, and honor to Thee, Redeemer, King! Today’s PROCESSIONAL HYMN, “All Glory, Laud and Honor” (442) is from the eighth century by St. Theodulph (750-821). He was the bishop of Orleans. Wrongly imprisoned, he wrote his hymn while in captivity and sang it from his prison cell as the emperor Louis the Pious passed in the procession. This hymn has been part of the Palm Sunday liturgy for many centuries. This English version was translated by John Mason Neale in 1859. The introduction is by Jan O. Bender (1909-1994). The tune is by Melchior Teschner (1584-1635). Born in Poland, he served as pastor and kantor at churches in Germany.
In lowly pomp ride on to die. Jesus rides into Jerusalem in the makeshift procession to complete His work of salvation for us. Today the crowds cry out: “Hosanna!” (Save us, Lord!). Soon they will cry: “Crucify him!” The great mystery of the atonement is seen in the events of Holy Week. God uses the evil of those who plot against Him to bring about the greatest good for the whole world.
Today’s HYMN OF THE DAY “Ride On, Ride On, in Majesty” (441) is by Henry H. Milman (1791-1868), a professor of poetry, historian, and parish pastor. His hymn uniquely combines the triumphant entry with the upcoming slaughter of the Sacrificial Lamb. In His humiliation, he bows His head and endures pain; yet His exultation will follow: “Then take, O Christ, Thy power and reign.”
The choir sings stanzas 2 and 4 in a setting by Rev. Dr. Daniel G. Reuning, kantor of Redeemer—Fort Wayne.
