Lead On, O King Eternal

Lead on, O King eternal,
The day of march has come;
Henceforth in fields of conquest
Thy tents shall be our home.
Through days of preparation
Thy grace has made us strong;
And now, O King eternal,
We lift our battle song.  

Lead on, O King eternal, T
ill 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;
With deeds of love and mercy T
he heavenly kingdom comes.

Lead on, O King eternal,
We follow, not with fears,
For gladness breaks like morning
Where’er Thy face appears.
Thy cross is lifted over us,
We journey in its light;
The crown awaits the conquest;
Lead on, O God of might.

• The scene depicted in verse 1 is that of an encampment for soldiers about to march into battle. The hymn writer says, “The day of march has come.” What does this statement mean for you? Are you prepared to march into battle for Christ? What do you think it means to march into battle for Christ? How have you been prepared for this day? (Hint: what has made you strong?)
• The world is full of scenes in the battle between God and Evil. Describe the last time you saw evidence of “sin’s fierce war.” The author mentions the sounds of swordplay (or hand-to-hand combat) and drumrolls as signs of the action of an earthly army. What are signs of the action of the heavenly army? What was the most recent deed of love or mercy that you would describe as defeating the army of Evil?
• Why does the hymn writer say that we are not fearful when we follow our King in the battle against Evil?
• What is the symbol that lights the way forward for people who follow Christ in the war against Evil?
• What is ahead for people who follow Christ obediently and confront Evil in the world? Give an example of some time when you have confronted Evil recently. Do you know a friend who is battling Evil right now? What battle tactic will you deploy on behalf of your friend?