Charles Wesley, 1707–1788
… salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb. (Revelation 7:10)
The proclamation of the gospel requires a devoted, zealous spirit. The real purpose of this proclamation is to affect a personal conversion in the hearer, and this experience implies a radical change of lifestyle. The Bible speaks of this change as becoming a “new creation” (2 Corinthians 5:17). It involves the convert in at least three new and conscious relationships: To Christ, to the church, and to the world. Conversion means nothing if it does not result in a change from self-centered living to devotion to God and a life of sacrificial service for Him.
Charles Wesley wrote this text in 1744, a year of unusually severe persecution for the Wesleys and their followers. During this trying year the Wesleys wrote several hymn pamphlets titled Hymns for Times of Trouble and Persecution. One of these booklets included “Ye Servants of God, Your Master Proclaim.” The text was based on Psalm 93:1–4 and Revelation 7:9–12. The purpose of this text was to encourage their persecuted followers to concentrate on the One “whose kingdom is glorious—who rules over all.” As is generally true, Christians flourish best for God during times of persecution. This was certainly true of the Wesleys and the early Methodists. “God is on the throne; therefore let us cry aloud, and honor His Son and our Savior” became the battlecry. And the more severe the opposition, the stronger became their proclamation of the gospel.
May our proclamation, too, always focus on Jesus Christ as the Savior, Lord, and Master of life and eternity. May we not become side-tracked with our own ideas, pet themes, or personal experiences.
Ye servants of God, your Master proclaim, and publish abroad His wonderful name; the name all victorious of Jesus extol: His kingdom is glorious; He rules over all.
“Salvation to God who sits on the throne,” let all cry aloud and honor the Son; the praises of Jesus the angels proclaim, fall down on their faces and worship the Lamb.
Then let us adore and give Him His right—all glory and pow’r, and wisdom and might, all honor and blessing, with angels above, and thanks never ceasing, and infinite love.
For Today: Psalm 93:1–4; 96:1–10; Mark 10:43, 45; Revelation 7:9–12
Ask God to keep your spirit consistently zealous for Him. Carry this musical reminder with you—
Osbeck, K. W.
- The Lord reigneth, and is clothed with majesty: the Lord is clothed, and girded with power, the world also shall be established, that it cannot be moved. Thy throne is established of old: thou art from everlasting. The floods have lifted up, O Lord: the floods have lifted up their voice: the floods have lifted up their waves. The waves of the sea are marvelous through the noise of many waters, yet the Lord on high is more mighty. Thy testimonies are very sure: holiness becometh thine House, O Lord, forever. Psalm 93:1-4
- Sing unto the Lord a new song: sing untoo the Lord all the earth. Sing unto the Lord, and praise his Name: declare his salvation from day to day.Declare his glory amog all nations, and his wonders among all people. For the Lord is great and much to be praised: he is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the people are before him: power and beauty are in his Sanctuary. Give unto the Lord, ye families of the people: give unto the Lord glory and power. Give unto the Lord the glory of his Name: bring an offering, and enter into his courts. Worship the Lord in the glorious Sanctuary: tremble before him all the earth. Say among the Nations, The Lord reigneth: Surely the world shall be stable, and not move, and he shall judge the people in righteousness. Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad: let the sea roar, and all that therein is. Let the field be joyful, and all that is in it: let all the trees of the wood then reoice, Before the Lord: for he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth: he will udge the world with righteousness, and the people in his truth. Psalm 96:1-10
- But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among them, exercise authority over them. Mark 10:43
- For even the Son of man came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his lfie for the ransom of many. Mark 10:45
- After these things I beheld, and lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations and kindreds, and people, and tongues stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with long white robes, and palms in their hands. And they cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation cometh of our God, that sitteth upon the throne, and of the Lamb. And all the Angels stood round about the throne, and about the Elders, and the four beasts, and they fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God, Saying, Amen, Praise and glory, and wisdom, and thanks, and honor, and power, and might, be unto our God for evermore. Revelation 7:9-12
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