REJOICE, THE LORD IS KING

By the 1740’s, Charles Wesley was regularly preaching to thousands in open air meetings.  At that time, oppression against the gospel message began to develop.  When confronted by those who were angry at something Wesley had expressed about sinners and repentance, he would give reply.  However, Wesley was not known for his tact!  And that lead to him being physically struck by one of those oppressors.

In 1743, Charles recorded in his diary about an instance in St Ives when several rebels broke into the building after he started speaking.  Wesley immediately began telling them Jesus Christ loved them and had died for each of them.  As Wesley recorded, “They lifted up their hands and clubs to strike me; but a stronger arm restrained them.”

Just 3 years to the month later, Wesley found himself back in St Ives and there was no disturbance.  In fact, he wrote, “Indeed the whole place is outwardly changed in this respect.  I walk the streets with astonishment, scarce believing it is St Ives!”

It was in 1744, during these days of danger that Charles wrote his triumphant hymn, ‘REJOICE, THE LORD IS KING’.  In the third verse of he writes…

His kingdom cannot fail; He rules o’er earth and heaven;

The keys of death and hell are in our Jesus given

Lift up your heart; lift up your voice!

Rejoice, again I say, rejoice!