“Lo! the hosts of evil round us scorn thy Christ, assail his ways.”

Hymn: “God of Grace and God of Glory”

Words: Harry Emerson Fosdick (b. 1930)

Tune: CWM RHONDDA

We’ve all heard it said that anytime a ministry is thriving, we had best keep a close watch because something or somebody is bound to attack it. That seems to be a defeatist approach, but there is a good bit of truth to it. That may be why Jesus’ teaching from Matthew 10:16 [“Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.”] is included in the gospels!

Why is it that we are often surrounded by so great a cloud of wolves? How is it that evil can move so quickly to dismantle?

Every semester I screen the documentary THE CLINTON 12 in my classes. This story of the integration of Clinton (TN) High School is riveting, but one of the most disturbing and eye-opening facts is that on the opening day of the school year, one man (John Kasper) came into town to stir up trouble, and by Friday of the first week, thousands had joined him in his protest. In the 1950’s – long before social media and flash mobs – evil reared its head to attempt the derailment of a long-needed process… and was able to speak loudly enough to cause quite the uproar – thankfully, an unsuccessful campaign.

After an unexpected attack, we who seek to truly be people after God’s own heart sometimes find ourselves standing with that “why me?” posture. WE may come under attack, but it is Christ himself who is being scorned; it is an assault on the plan that we have determined to be HIS.

The Evil One has been nipping at our bare heels since the Garden, and there is no sign that is about to change any time soon. Yet we continue to pray “… thy kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven” – and in that perfect kingdom, the hosts of evil are silenced.

If you think you are truly God-will Hunting, brace yourself: the hosts of evil are all around. Also arm yourself (Ephesians 6:10-17) that you may be able to withstand the fiery darts -  the difficulties that seem to accompany the living of these days. Believe me, you are not alone!

Hymn as Sung in Worship at First Presbyterian Church, Houston

"What seems each time I tell it more wonderfully sweet."

Hymn: “I Love to Tell the Story” – Katherine Hankey (1834-1911)
Tune: HANKEY

I feel like I should start by having everyone get your hankey out, but this is not an overly-emotional hymn!

This hymnline follows the line “I love to tell the story, ‘tis pleasant to repeat.” For those of us who have heard the old, old story of Jesus and his love since the Cradle Roll department, the repetition might seem to wear us down and become boring and less interesting… even less meaningful. For me at least, that is not the case. I just can’t get enough of those stories of Jesus’ teaching, healing, raising the dead, calming the sea, holding children in his lap, caring for the disadvantaged, praying – and eventually dying and rising.

Over the years as a minister in the local church, I’ve had opportunities to re-tell those stories in so many ways: through music, pageants, worship vignettes, etc. I’ve also been privileged to recount those events to adult classes and youth groups. But my favorite story-times have been with children to whom some of the accounts are fresh, never before heard. Their bright-eyed wonder at Christ’s ability to walk on water or call Lazarus from the grave – those are the times that are truly “more wonderfully sweet.”

Today’s hymnline may bring back memories of your growing-up years; you may call to mind a favorite Sunday School teacher or missions-group leader. As warm and fuzzy as that may be, let this hymn also remind you to continue to be totally fascinated by the life and ministry of the Son of God. Be sure it has not waned in importance or interest… or in its effect on how you live your life as a reflection of his. May that wide-eyed wonder return to us who are long separated from our childhood in terms of years… but closer than ever in our captivation by things holy.


Emily Lou Harris and Robert Duvall Sing This Hymn

"Beneath the cross of Jesus, I gladly take my stand."

Hymn: “Beneath the Cross of Jesus” – Elizabeth Clephane (1830-1869)
Tune: ST. CHRISTOPHER

Following on yesterday’s post about proximity to the cross, this opening hymnline from one of my favorite Lenten hymns has a similar theme. After answering the question “Are we there yet?”, we are drawn within “the shadow of a mighty rock” and “a home within the wilderness, a rest upon the way.”

We often steer away from singing this hymn because in the original text printed in most hymnals, the word “fain” is used instead of the word “gladly.” When our mind has to stop and wonder what a word means, we sometimes lose the thought that follows; therefore, I’m glad that some song books and arrangements are using less archaic language to help us ‘get it’ without explanation!

I would have used the word “proudly,” but pride is such a no-no in church-speak! However, we should be proud to take our stand with Christ at the foot of his cross, shouldn’t we?!

Taking our stand for Christ and with Christ is vital for those of us who would be counted as one of His. Our placement keeps people from second-guessing who we are and whose we are. In today’s society, that establishment of our post is key to our vitality as witnesses to “the very dying form of One who suffered there for me.”

Looking for prime real estate in the Kingdom? Find it beneath the cross of Jesus.

A Men’s A Cappella Setting of This Hymn

"Near the cross I'll watch and wait, hoping, trusting ever."

Hymn: “Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross” – Fanny Crosby (1820-1915) 
Tune: NEAR THE CROSS

Proximity is a wonderful thing in any relationship. We never want to be far from the people we love most. That’s why Hallmark has a whole series of cards from “across the miles”!

Maintaining a close proximity to the cross is of great importance to those of us who are Christ-followers. Many people accessorize with a cross, wearing it daily as a reminder to themselves that they are inextricably affiliated with the One whose life and death are represented by two intersecting straight lines. For many years in my early ministry, I dangled a wooden cross from my neck so that every time it struck my chest, I was reminded whose I was… and my minute-by-minute commitment to him.

You may not ‘wear’ a cross daily, but you need to be prompted to stray not far from the influence of the cross on your daily decision-making.

Beneath the cross of Jesus is a good place to keep vigilance, with a watchful eye to avoid failure and mis-steps. There we can wait… be still… learn patience. It is also a great vantage point from which to view hope as a constant under-girder of our faith experience. And is there a better place to express our trust in Him who redeems us, comforts us, restores us – yea, even saves us?

In the context of Fanny Crosby’s text, this hymnline is about watching for, waiting on, hoping toward, and trusting in the ultimate return of Christ. The following line says, “till I reach the golden strand just beyond the river.”

I agree with all that; but it is also the place I watch for God, wait for him to act, hope that his will is done in my life, and trust that he will see me through TODAY… whether or not his return is imminent!

Need a change of place? Come over here and stand with me near the cross. Proximity is a wonderful thing.

Hear Hastings College Choir sing Robert Sterling’s arrangement of this hymn

Easter Departure Hymn

In case you need something new to round out your Easter morning service or a sunrise service...

here you go!

Easter Departure Hymn

Tune: ACKLEY (“He Lives”)

Go serve the Risen Savior,

Rise up, go on your way.

Our Christ is resurrected

On this glad Easter Day.

The grieving days are ended --

The cross, the thorns, the strife.

We join Him in his rising

And endless life.

He lives! He lives!

Christ Jesus lives today.

Have faith in him,

Be true to him

In all you do and say.

Go out with joy,

May all your conflicts cease.

O church of Christ, the Risen Lord,

Go out in joy and peace.

R. G. Huff