a kingly crown to gain;
His blood-red banner streams afar!
Who follows in his train?
Who best can drink His cup of woe,
triumphant over pain,
who patient bears his cross below,
he follows in His train.
2. The martyr first, whose eagle eye
could pierce beyond the grave;
who saw his Master in the sky
and called on Him to save.
Like Him, with pardon on His tongue
in midst of mortal pain,
he prayed for them that did the wrong!
Who follows in His train?
3. A glorious band, the chosen few
on whom the Spirit came,
twelve valiant saints, their hope they knew,
and mocked the cross and flame.
They met the tyrant's brandished steel,
the lion's gory mane;
they bowed their necks the death to feel:
who follows in their train?
4. A noble army, men and boys,
the matron and the maid,
around the Savior's throne rejoice
in robes of light arrayed.
They climbed the steep ascent of heav'n
through peril, toil and pain;
O God, to us may grace be giv'n
to follow in their train.
Scripture; Psalm 24:8, Zechariah 14:3, Matthew 10:32-34, Mark 10:38-39
"The Son of God Goes Forth to War" is a powerful Christian hymn written by Reginald Heber in the early 19th century. Heber, an Anglican bishop and poet, composed the hymn as a stirring call to Christian discipleship and martyrdom, inspired by the bravery and sacrifice of early Christian saints. The hymn draws imagery from biblical themes of spiritual warfare, echoing the journey of Christ, who suffered and died, and the faithful who followed Him even unto death. Each stanza evokes scenes of courage, from Christ's crucifixion to the trials of saints and martyrs, urging believers to remain steadfast in faith. The hymn gained popularity not only for its compelling lyrics but also for its martial rhythm, especially when set to the tune "All Saints New" by Henry Stephen Cutler. It remains a staple in many hymnals, symbolizing devotion, endurance, and the cost of following Christ.
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