Lead On, O King Eternal (ELW 805)
Devotion
1 Lead on, O King eternal!
The day of march has come;
henceforth in fields of conquest
your tents will be our home.
Through days of preparation
your grace has made us strong;
and now, O King eternal,
we lift our battle song.
2 Lead on, O King eternal,
till sin's fierce war shall cease,
and holiness shall whisper
the sweet amen of peace;
for not with swords loud clashing,
nor roll of stirring drums,
but deeds of love and mercy
the heav'nly kingdom comes.
3 Lead on, O King eternal:
we follow, not with fears,
for gladness breaks like morning
where'er your face appears.
Your cross is lifted o'er us;
we journey in its light;
the crown awaits the conquest;
lead on, O God of might!
Text: Ernest W. Shurtleff, 1862-1917
This is a very popular hymn in the congregation I serve. What I love most about it is that it turns a triumphalist approach to the gospel on its head, placing the focus of our battle against sin on deeds of love and mercy, not on confidence in militaristic might. God's power over the forces of sin and injustice is anchored in Christ's death on the cross. We stand with those who are the weakest when we stand with Christ; we proclaim victory in following God's lead.
Prayer
Lead on, O King eternal: we follow, not with fears, for gladness breaks like morning where'er your face appears. Your cross is lifted o'er us; we journey in its light; the crown awaits the conquest; lead on, O God of might! Amen.