“Jesus, Still Lead On,” LBW 341 & ELW 624
1 Jesus, still lead on, till our rest be won;
and, although the way be cheerless,
we will follow, calm and fearless;
guide us by your hand to the promised land.
2 If the way be drear, if the foe be near,
let no faithless fears o’ertake us,
let not faith and hope forsake us;
safely past the foe to our home we go.
3 When we seek relief from a long-felt grief,
when temptations come alluring
make us patient and enduring;
show us that bright shore where we weep no more.
4 Jesus, still lead on, till our rest be won;
heav’nly leader, still direct us,
still support, console, protect us,
till we safely stand in the promised land.
Devotion
Believers in Jesus Christ are called to live faithful lives following the command of our Lord. There are times when that becomes a real challenge! Nicolaus von Zinzendorf, the writer of this hymn, experienced it. The missionary zeal and compassion of the communities he founded faced it. Religious leaders and lay members continue to face challenges to their faith today.
My congregation sponsors a missionary. During a recent furlough, she reported on the challenges that she and the community of the faithful on this mission field experience. Listening to her, I began to think of the similar challenges in our mission field: our backyards and offices. The times have changed, but the challenges have not. We are called to faithfully follow Jesus, not to forsake our hope and to remember that he is with us to the end of time.
Prayer
Savior of all, do not let us lose hope. Be with us in our struggles and bless us. Give us a vision of our promised home with you, for we know that you lead us on. We commend ourselves to your loving care and pray this in your holy name. Amen.