GOLDEN HARPS ARE SOUNDING

Amazing Grace

Words and Music by Frances R. Havergal, 1836–1879

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. After He said this, He was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid Him from their sight. (Acts 1:8, 9)

Christ’s resurrection is one of the most authenticated facts in history. During the 40-day interlude between Easter and the ascension, He was seen by such trusted witnesses as Peter, the entire group of disciples and apostles, a crowd of 500 of His followers, and finally by the apostle Paul (1 Corinthians 15:5–8). And many of these same individuals who saw His resurrected body also witnessed His ascent into heaven. The resurrection and the ascension, cornerstones of the Christian faith, have been historically documented. Christ’s ascension assures us that Jesus is alive and ruling His kingdom while seated at the right hand of His Father. The ascension is also the guarantee that our Lord will personally return for His followers and escort us to the heavenly home He has prepared.

“Golden Harps Are Sounding” is one of our fine but unfamiliar hymns from the neglected “Ascension and Reign” section of many church hymnals. These are hymns that should be used not only during this Ascension Day season but also throughout the year to teach believers the importance of this event.

The author, Frances Havergal, wrote this Ascension Day hymn especially for a group of children while visiting their school. It is said to have been written within the space of ten minutes. “Golden Harps Are Sounding” is one of the few hymns for which Miss Havergal also composed her own tune, “Hermas.”

Golden harps are sounding, angel voices ring, pearly gates are opened, opened for the King: Christ, the King of glory, Jesus, King of love, is gone up in triumph to His throne above.

He who came to save us, He who bled and died, now is crowned with glory at His Father’s side: Never more to suffer, never more to die, Jesus, King of glory, is gone up on high.

Praying for His children in that blessed place, calling them to glory, sending them His grace: His bright home preparing, faithful ones, for you; Jesus ever liveth, ever loveth too.

Refrain: All His work is ended, joyfully we sing; Jesus hath ascended—Glory to our King!

For Today: Psalm 24:7, 10; Luke 24:50; Acts 1:7–10; Romans 8:34; Hebrews 9:24

Share the thrilling account of Christ’s ascension with your family members. Sing this musical truth together—

Osbeck, K. W.

• Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. Psalm 24:7
• Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah. Psalm 24:10
• And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them. Luke 24:50
• And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel. Acts 1:7-10
• Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. Romans 8:34
• For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: Hebrews 9:24