The English text of “Christ is Made the Sure Foundation” was translated by John Neale in 1851from a hymn author unknown called Urbs beata Jerusalem written for a church dedication. The Latin text dates back to the early medieval church in the 6-7th century. Born in an evangelical home, Neale entered Cambridge evangelical but came out Anglo-Catholic. Constantly sick, he was incredibly productive. He’s lauded for his contributions to church hymnody. Hailed as prince of translators, he won the Seatonian prize for religious poetry 11 times at Trinity College. Studying high church worship, he’s one of the first to translate ancient Greek and Latin texts into metrical English for singing. Neale was ordained at the Church of England in 1842 but spent the last 20 years of his life serving the poor men in society. It later included indigent women and orphans. From his life, we now turn to his work with a clearer lens. This anthem is packed with rich Biblical truths and sound theological doctrines.
Drawn from Ephesians 2 and 1 Peter 2, verse 1 pictures Christ, the Cornerstone, the foundation and head of the Church. We are the church whom He binds in unity. Paul said: Jesus came and preached peace to you, far and near. Thru Him, we have access in one Spirit to the Father. So you are no longer strangers or aliens, but fellow citizens, saints and members of God’s household. Built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus is the cornerstone. Joined together, we grow into a holy temple in the Lord. In Christ, you are being built into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.
Peter wrote: As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For it was written “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious, and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.” So the honor is for you who believe…
Verse 2 describes the victorious church in heaven giving praise to the Triune God in eternal jubilation. These first 2 verses call us to unending worship on earth as it is in heaven, from here and now to there and then. Ponder… Do I believe that my God is praiseworthy and trustworthy? How can I truly declare that with Jesus as my sure foundation, I will not be shaken by things of earth? Am I honestly united in spirit with the body of Christ?
Verse 3 shifts focus to the earthly gathering, praying the Lord enter the physical temple and bless it with loving-kindness. Verse 4 ask for spiritual gifts upon believers during their earthly service with the promise of reigning with Christ in glory. These 2 verses become the invocation: a plea that God be pleased and honored in our worship. It reminds me of Solomon’s prayer during his temple dedication. He asked God to be present, to hear and answer the prayers offered in His holy place. Let me do a heart check. What is the posture of my heart before I open my mouth to sing? Do I see the one I worship? Can I hear His call for me?
Verse 5 the finale, the ultimate praise of praises, let me think… how can I offer my utmost for His highest? Not just today but 24×7… Lastly, in the world of AI – artificial intelligence today, how much of my worship is Authentic Integrity?
Dear heavenly Father, you are worthy and holy. Please purify my heart, and clean my lips that I may worship you in spirit and in truth. Cover me with your blood, Jesus to be worthy vessels of grace. Holy Spirit, let me experience you in a personal way whatever I do and say. May my praise offering honor you. May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart please you, Lord. Help me to sing as one with the Spirit from my heart, soul and mind. Enable me to walk my talk so people may see the beauty of Jesus in me. May my life be a daily holy sacrifice of praise. In your name, dear Savior, Amen.
