High King of Heaven

Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise,
Thou mine Inheritance, now and always:
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,
High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art.

High King of Heaven, my victory won,
May I reach Heaven’s joys, O bright Heav’n’s Sun!
Heart of my own heart, whate’er befall,
Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all.

The Celtic Christians often called God the High King (Ard Righ in the Gaelic) and Peter Marshall, the Scots Presbyterian Minister and Chaplain of the US Senate, often referred to God as his Chief (a Clan title for the head of the Scottish family group). Both of these titles imply power and yet with Dr Marshall’s reference we see a familial closeness as well.

In my favorite hymn, “Be Thou My Vision”, Jesus is the High King, Bright Heaven’s Sun, and heart of my own heart. He is my treasure, first in my heart. This is the sort of King Jesus wants to be. This is the gift he offers to us. As I look at the cross from a cemetery in Ireland we saw on our honeymoon, it makes me think of the hymn. And my hope for each and every day.

Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise, Thou mine inheritance, now and always… Heart of my own heart, whatever befall, still be my vision, O ruler of all. With Christ at the center, how else can I live. This is my daily prayer… Thou and Thou only, first in my heart. It is not about my power or victory, it is all about His.