God, loving ruler of the world
1 God, loving ruler of the world,
all things were made by you;
by your creative, gracious power
you made us rulers too.
2 But we reject you; godless lives
spin out our sorry tale,
and in ourselves, our land, our world,
how hopelessly we fail!
3 You take us fairly at our word;
and if we still rebel
your judgement pays us what we ask:
the godless death of hell.
4 Yet you are love! You gave your Son;
this man has met our need:
your rule he lived, our death he died,
the slaves of sin are freed!
5 You raised him from the stony grave,
to spell the end of death:
he brings good news, forgiveness, life;
he comes to judge the earth.
6 So grant me grace to choose your way;
then pray I surely must,
submit myself to Jesus' rule
and in his promise trust.
Christopher Idle
© Christopher Idle/Jubilate Hymns Ltd
CM