Hymn of the Day: Ask Ye What Great Thing I Know

I stand convinced that this is one of the greatest texts in hymnody, maybe not for its theological density, but for its sure and concise proclamation of faith in Jesus Christ the crucified. Here it is, being sung by First United Methodist in Marietta, Georgia. Also, kudos to FUMC for not installing a jumbotron in their sanctuary.

Ask ye what great thing I know,
That delights and stirs me so?
What the high reward I win?
Whose the name I glory in?
Jesus Christ, the Crucified.

What is faith’s foundation strong?
What awakes my heart to song?
He who bore my sinful load,
Purchased for me peace with God,
Jesus Christ, the Crucified.

Who is He that makes me wise
To discern where duty lies?
Who is He that makes me true
Duty, when discerned to do,
Jesus Christ, the Crucified.

Who defeats my fiercest foes?
Who consoles my saddest woes?
Who revives my fainting heart,
Healing all its hidden smart?
Jesus Christ, the Crucified.

Who is life in life to me?
Who the death of death will be?
Who will place me on His right,
With the countless hosts of light?
Jesus Christ, the Crucified.

This is that great thing I know;
This delights and stirs me so;
Faith in Him who died to save,
Him who triumphed over the grave:
Jesus Christ, the Crucified.
– Johann C. Schwedler, 1741
tr. Benjamin Hall Kennedy, 1863
HENDON by Cesar Malan, 1827

Photo: Adoration of the Magi by Claude Vignon, c. 1619, creative commons 2.0