Lyrics
Who paints the skies into glorious day?
Only the splendour of Jesus.
Who breathes His life into fists of clay?
Only the splendour of Jesus.
Who shapes the valleys and brings the rain?
Only the splendour of Jesus.
Who makes the desert to live again?
Only the splendour of Jesus.
Teach every nation His marvellous ways;
Each generation shall sing His praise.
He is wonderful, He is glorious,
Clothed in righteousness,
Full of tenderness.
Come and worship Him,
He’s the Prince of life,
He will cleanse our hearts
In His river of fire.
Who hears the cry of the barren one?
Only the mercy of Jesus.
Who breaks the curse of the heart of stone?
Only the mercy of Jesus.
Who storms the prison and sets men free?
Only the mercy of Jesus.
Purchasing souls for eternity?
Only the mercy of Jesus.
A rhythmic, joyful song of praise
This song began to take shape when I was driving through the beautiful countryside of the south west of England, and I was struck how the hills seemed so radiant and beautifully shaped – it was as if God had lovingly handcrafted every contour of the hills and valleys.
But He doesn’t just care for the beautiful world around us. His tenderness extends to us in every area of our lives, restoring, purifying and liberating us, so that we in turn can tell the world of His love.
It’s a joyful song of celebration, particularly appropriate for the start of a time of sung worship. It also includes and (optional) introductory chorus sung in the South African language of Xhosa.
I think there is something wonderful about singing together in a language other than our native tongue; it reminds me that we are part of a worldwide church, that we are all connected in Christ, and that one day people from ‘every tribe and tongue’ will be singing before the Lamb – what a glorious cacophony of languages that will be!
