Isaac Watts, a prolific hymn writer of the early 18th century, is credited for many of our most beloved hymns today. Writing over 750 hymns in his life time, Watts revolutionized worship within the church; before his new approach of singing written songs of adoration to God in public worship, only one man by the name of Thomas Ken (the author of "Doxology" or "The Old Hundredth") ever dreamed of singing new-age hymns. At a time when only the Psalms of David were sung in English churches, Watts boldly changed the outlook that Christians had on praise music to the Lord.
One of my favorite pieces by Isaac Watts is "Marching to Zion." This hymn brings great joy and assurance that every day those saved by Jesus Christ are becoming closer to God's kingdom of heaven. The first verse of this great hymn goes as follows:
"Come, we that love the Lord, And let our joys be known; Join in a song with sweet accord, Join in a song with sweet accord And thus surround the throne, And thus surround the throne."
The refrain, written by Robert Lowry, another famous hymn writer from the mid-1800s, is undoubtedly the most uplifting part of the song:
"We’re marching to Zion, Beautiful, beautiful Zion; We’re marching upward to Zion, The beautiful city of God."
Christian, remember how close we are to the kingdom of everlasting life. All because of God's gracious son, the gateway to heavenly peace, we are inching closer and closer to paradise with every breath. Join me in marching boldly all the way there!
"Arise ye, and let us go up to Zion." -Jeremiah 31:6
All for Christ,
Chase Castle
