Hail, Thou Once Despised Jesus

 

"Lift up your heads, O you gates; and be lifted up, you
 age-abiding doors, that the King of glory may come in.
Who is the King of glory?  The Lord strong and mighty,
the Lord mighty in battle.

Lift up your heads, O you gates; yes, lift them up, you
 age-abiding doors, that the King of glory may come in.

Who is He then, this King of glory? 
The Lord of hosts, He is the King of glory.
Selah (pause, and think of that!)".
(Psalm 24:7-10)

Golden Gate in Jerusalem

Picture courtesy/Wikimedia Commons

Hail Thou once despised Jesus!

Hail, Thou Galilean King!

Thou didst suffer to release us;

Thou didst free salvation bring.

Hail, Thou agonizing Saviour,

Bearer of our sin and shame!

By Thy merits we find favor;

Life is given thro' Thy Name.

Paschal Lamb, by God appointed,

All our sins on Thee were laid:

By almighty love anointed,

Thou has full atonement made.

All Thy people are forgiven,

Thro' the virtue of Thy blood;

Opened is the gate of heaven,

Peace is made 'twixt man and God.

Jesus, hail! enthroned in glory,

There forever to abide;

All the heavenly hosts adore Thee,

Seated at Thy Father's side.

There for sinners Thou are pleading,

There Thou dost our place prepare,

Ever for us interceding

Till in glory we appear.

Worship, honor, power, and blessing

Thou art worthy to receive;

Loudest praises, without ceasing,

Meet it is for us to give.

Help, ye bright angelic spirits,

Bring your sweetest, noblest lays;

Help to sing our Saviour's merits,

Help to chant Immanuel's praise!

Amen

"Hail, Thou Once Despised Jesus"
(1757)
John Bakewell
(1721-1819)
English hymn writer