Meekness and majesty

‘Majesty, combined with meekness’ wrote John Ryland in his 1790 paraphrase of Psalm 45, Let us sing the King Messiah, while a century later Anne Ross Cousin wrote ‘Lord of majesty and meekness’ . Here a contemporary author takes up the theme, and this item has been hailed, not only as one of the most hymn-like of Graham Kendrick’s compositions, but (like 396) as one of his finest. His opening line sets the agenda, introducing a text with concepts of incarnation rooted in Scripture but not often so vividly expressed in 20th-c hymns. In draft form, 1.6 originally read ‘clothed with humanity’; a comment by Clive Calver that this suggested an early heresy (of a merely temporary, superficial assumption of human nature) persuaded the author to rephrase—see, however, 355, 359 etc. The text uses a characteristic mix of assonance or half-rhyme throughout its otherwise unique short lines. It was written in 1986 and has since been included in several mainstream books such as Baptist Praise and Worship (1991) and recent Irish and American hymnals. ‘This is your God’, the alternative title which concludes the refrain, suggests Isaiah 40:9. The foot-washing (stz 1) is also strongly implied at 596; but we generally seem (like Simon Peter?) to feel more comfortable falling at Christ’s feet (281, 479 etc) than finding him at ours. See also the notes to 320, a hymn from 7 years earlier which this one overlaps. The opening phrase has in turn been taken up by others; eg in Elizabeth Rundle’s study-guide of that name (CWR 2003). The tune MEEKNESS AND MAJESTY sustains an even rhythm until the longer notes (or pauses) at the end of the refrain. An arrangement by Christopher Norton is also available.

b Blisworth, Northants 1950. Son of a Baptist minister who moved with the family to Laindon (Essex) and Putney. He took a step of faith at the age of 5, and began composing songs as a 15- year old, teaching himself to play the piano before he learned to read music. Studied at Avery Hill College, SE London (Cert Ed 1972) before joining Clive Calver and others in an evangelistic team in 1972. He toured schools and colleges with his music group and worked with YWAM, as Musical Director of British Youth for Christ (1976–80), and at St Michael-le-Belfry Ch, York, eventually joining the church leadership team of the S London Ichthus Fellowship (1984–2004) to specialise in music. His first published songs were written in the 1970s, and rapidly established him as the prominent songwriter/musician of a movement variously described as ‘house/new church’, ‘renewal’ or ‘restorationist’. His 1978 tour was the catalyst for the annual Spring Harvest gatherings where his work was often first aired; he pioneered praise marches with the initial ‘Make Way’, nation-wide events and a global ‘March for Jesus’ involving an estimated 12 million people from 177 nations in 1994. Other forms of open-air celebration and witness also had a strong musical element. He has lectured and written on this approach, produced ideas and texts for children and for seasons and special occasions, and published material on music, evangelism and worship. In the 1990s his songs, already well-represented in MP, began to appear in mainstream British hymnals; and The Source (for which he was consultant editor) included most of his significant material to date as well as other work. Between 1971 and 2000 he produced 28 albums. CH 2004 edn included 11 of his songs. Some of his 300-plus compositions are intentionally ephemeral or otherwise limited in scope; others go some way towards narrowing the gap between hymns and songs, while often requiring musical expertise for adequate performance. His more recent work has a strong element of social and moral concern. Almost invariably, text and tune go together. He has appeared at major events in most denominations, and lives with his family at Croydon, Surrey. Among other honours he has received a Dove award for international work, 1995. See also Selling Worship by Pete Ward (2005) where he is often quoted and his development sympathetically discussed. Recent indications of his broad acceptance are his 2 items in Common Praise (2000) and 11 in both Christian Hymns (2004 edn) and Sing Praise (2010). Nos.200, 207, 294, 315, 336, 354, 358, 365, 369, 384, 396, 397, 415, 434, 464, 468, 489, 494, 533, 589, 619, 667, 674, 700, 723, 744, 803, 816, 826, 835, 944, 953, 955, 957, 1242.