WHO IS ON THE LORD'S SIDE?

If you have ever read Foxes Book Of Martyrs you have read of many who gave their lives for the gospel centuries ago. But today there are still many martyrs for the gospel all around the world. Many are still giving their lives for the cause of Christ while we here in the United States enjoy so many wonderful freedoms with little or any persecution. But that is slowly changing. Today it might not yet cost you your life here to be a Christian, but it might cost you your job or result in verbal ridicule. Around the country people have lost their jobs for believing in creation or traditional marriage. And it is going to get worse. And even though it was written in 1877, this week's hymn asks an important question that we may all have to answer, "Who Is On The Lord's Side?". The hymn was written by Frances Havergal, a noted hymnwriter. A bright but sickly person, she was reading by age four, and began writing verse at age seven. She learned Latin, Greek and Hebrew, and memorized the Psalms, the book of Isaiah, and most of the New Testament. Miss Havergal had a thorough training in linguistics and music and was a pianist and singer. She has been referred to as "the sweetest voice of hymnody," and "the consecration poet." The hymn is related to the story of Moses when he returned and found the people sinning, Moses stood in the gate of the camp and said, "Who is on the Lord's side? Let him come unto me." (Exodus 32:26). In Matthew 12:30 Jesus said, "He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad." And so today we too need to make the decision. Will we say "Savior, we are Thine!"? Think about that question and the implications of your answer as you consider the words of this hymn this week.

1. Who is on the Lord's side? Who will serve the King?

Who will be His helpers, other lives to bring?

Who will leave the world's side? Who will face the foe?

Who is on the Lord's side? Who for Him will go?

By Thy call of mercy, by Thy grace divine,

We are on the Lord's side—Savior, we are Thine!

2. Not for weight of glory, nor for crown and palm,

Enter we the army, raise the warrior psalm;

But for love that claimeth lives for whom He died:

He whom Jesus saveth marches on His side.

By Thy love constraining, by Thy grace divine,

We are on the Lord's side—Savior, we are Thine!

3. Jesus, Thou hast bought us, not with gold or gem,

But with Thine own lifeblood, for Thy diadem;

With Thy blessing filling each who comes to Thee,

Thou hast made us willing, Thou hast made us free.

By Thy grand redemption, by Thy grace divine,

We are on the Lord's side—Savior, we are Thine!

4. Fierce may be the conflict, strong may be the foe,

But the King's own army none can overthrow;

'Round His standard ranging, vict'ry is secure,

For His truth unchanging makes the triumph sure.

Joyfully enlisting, by Thy grace divine,

We are on the Lord's side—Savior, we are Thine!

5. Chosen to be soldiers, in an alien land,

Chosen, called, and faithful, for our Captain's band;

In the service royal, let us not grow cold,

Let us be right loyal, noble, true and bold.

Master, wilt Thou keep us, by Thy grace divine,

Always on the Lord's side—Savior, always Thine!

Listen to it being played on a pipe organ here. LISTEN

Here are the same words but being sung to a different melody. VOCAL