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!
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The hymn "Lead On, O King Eternal," with its battlefield language has all the elements of being a "battle song" and even includes that phrase in its lyrics. Yet, the battlefield imagined is not like that of Gettysburg or Yorktown. It's not a physical place, but rather encompasses all of life. It's not an event, but points us to a way of living. The battle is waged on sin and its entanglements where each and every day we must fight against those things that would tear us from God.
It's a battle song which sings of perseverance and faithfulness to God. Christ leads the way and promises that by keeping our attention focused ahead and on into the light the battle will be victorious. Sin will fade away and life will become not necessarily easier but in the very least something that will not over power us. "Lead on, O King eternal"--lead us, guide us--take us all the way to victory in you. Take us to the place where war is no more--only peace.
Lord, only you bring peace—that peace that comes from knowing you. When the battle against sin rages within, help us to find our peace in you—in your love and mercy and in the promise that one day all war will cease and we will find final victory eternal. Amen.
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Joe and Jill Doherty
New Promise Lutheran Church, St. George, Utah
Master of Divinity , 1998
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