Devotional 12-11-13

“All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name’

I think it is interesting to read how a song came to be written.  This devotion is from the book, 52 Hymn Story Devotions by Lucy Neeley Adams, Abingdon Press, Nashville.  While this is not a hymn one usually thinks of around Christmas time, it is about the life of our Lord Jesus.

“All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name”

“Signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”    Acts 4:30

If the Christian had just one anthem of praise, this would be it.  In every nation where it is sung, it speaks to the deep spiritual needs of all.  Someone has said, “As long as there are Christians on earth, this hymn will continue to be sung, and after that –  in heaven.”

The composer of the hymn was Edward Perronet, who was born in Sundridge, England, in 1726.  He was the son of a priest of the Church of England, and he, too, was ordained into that church.  Young Perronet, however, felt the church cold and too formal, and began to work with two Anglican priests, John and Charles Wesley, who were experiencing the same struggle.

They started preaching in the streets.  Soon many people who were searching for a deeper faith gathered in the open air to hear the fiery evangelists. 

The trio faced much persecution from those who disagreed with their ministry, sometimes even the threat of physical harm. John Wesley wrote in his diary:” Today Edward Perronet was thrown down and rolled in mud and mire.”

But out of those times of distress came Perronet’s powerful testimony of praise: “All hail the power of Jesus’ name!”  That same power flowed into the lives of true believers in the early church.  Recorded in Acts 3 is the first miracle after Pentecost.  The healing of the lame man at the temple caused an uproar from the Jewish leaders who watched the miracle.  Peter, full of the Holy Spirit, said, “ in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, stand up and walk” (Acts 3:6).  Instantly, the man leaped to his feet.  The rulers and elders of the Jews, fearing this message would spread as a result of this miracle, commanded the disciples “not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus” (Acts 4:18).

The disciples did not obey this order, but continued to preach in that powerful Name.  The results are astounding, as the gospel message has spread to millions throughout the centuries.

Lord Jesus, we crown you Lord of all.  Hallelujah. Amen.

All hail the power of Jesus’ name!

Let angels prostrate fall;

bring forth the royal diadem,

and crown him Lord of all.

Bring forth the royal diadem,

and crown him Lord of all.

Edward Perronet, 1779; alt. by John Rippon, 1787

Kay Lewis