Issac Watts, a name well known for his many great hymns
which include “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” and “O God, Our Help in Ages
Past,” wrote this fine hymn. He is recognized as the "Godfather of English
Hymnody." Many of his hymns remain in use today and have been translated
into numerous languages.
Watts displayed a propensity for rhyme from an early age. He
was once asked why he had his eyes open during prayers, to which he responded: “A
little mouse for want of stairs, ran up a rope to say its prayers.” He received
corporal punishment for this, to which he cried: “O father, father, pity
take, And I will no more verses make.”
As a teenager he complained to his father about how boring
the songs of the day were. His father challenged him to write something better.
Hence, a hymn writer was born. He would write at least 750 songs over the
course of life.
This hymn was written in response to a trend in the churches
of his day. Many people were opposed to singing hymns in the
church. They would only want to sing the Psalms and other parts of
Scripture. Churches accommodated and they would sing the Psalms and the
Scripture at the beginning of a service, and then after the sermon, they would
sing hymns. Many people would walk out of the church when the hymns were
sung in protest.
Not a lot is known about Watts’ early years. He was born in
1674, in England. Watts, whose father was a Nonconformist, (a member of a
Protestant Church in England that dissents from the established Anglican
Church), studied at the Dissenting Academy at Stoke Newington.
He became tutor to the family of Sir John Hartopp of Stoke
Newington and of Freeby, Leicestershire, and preached his first sermons in the
family chapel at Freeby. He was appointed assistant to the minister of Mark
Lane Independent Chapel, in London, and became full pastor in 1702. He was an
inspiring preacher.
As Isaac Watts quietly pastored Mark Lane Chapel, the
growing popularity of his hymns was causing a tempest. “Christian congregations
have shut out divinely inspired Psalms,” one man complained, “and taken in
Watts’ flights of fancy.” The issue of singing hymns versus Psalms split
churches, including the one in Bedford, England, once pastored by John Bunyan.
Many mocked Watts for writing such humanly composed songs rather than just Psalms or Bible verses. They referred to his works as “Watts’ Whims."
From the verses we can see how Watts not only wanted the
singer to communicate the joy of what was to come through eternal life in
heaven, but also the blessings of God on earth. An allusion to John Bunyan’s
popular devotional classic The Pilgrims Progress (1678) is found in
the final stanza calling attention to the Christian journey toward Zion and a
triumphant entry into “Immanuel’s ground.”
This rousing hymn is a reminder that the believer’s journey
is to another world. Too often, we Christians, forget our calling and journey.
When we view this world as temporary and not so lovely, perhaps we will start
singing and marching to Zion. God and this world’s system has a way of making
us want to.
More than 100 years after the writing of this hymn, Robert
Lowry composed a new tune and refrain for Watts’ verses. Lowry was a Baptist
pastor in Brooklyn and a well-known author and composer of gospel hymns.
However, he often said he’d “rather preach than write.” He’s probably most
famous for writing the words and music for “Shall We Gather at the River?”
Lowry was ministering and teaching during the Civil War,
which was also a time when revivalism was rising in America. He was impressed
with Watts’ text, but he wanted a musical setting that expressed the enthusiasm
of the American revival movement. He adapted the text, composed a new tune, and
called it “We’re Marching to Zion.”
Scripturesavvy.com: The phrase “songs of joy” signifies the emotional response we should embody while giving thanks. Rejoicing is not merely a feeling; it is also an action. When we rejoice, we celebrate. The emphasis is placed on joy, demonstrating that our faith is not just about solemnity; it is also about the joyful exuberance that comes from a relationship with God who cares for us deeply . . . Gratitude is meant to be shared. The idea of declaring God’s works signifies that our stories of faith are powerful tools. We can share our experiences with friends, family, or even strangers as a way to encourage others. Sharing our testimonies can help others see how God has been faithful and working in their lives, even if they may not recognize it immediately.
2 Corinthians 4:4
Godsbless.ing: Paul delves into the spiritual battle that is at play in the dissemination of the gospel in this section. He acknowledges that there are those who do not receive or understand the gospel message not because of its content but because they are blinded by the enemy, referring to Satan as the “god of this age.” This highlights the spiritual dimension of unbelief and the forces at work to hinder people from coming to faith. It underscores the importance of prayer, spiritual warfare, and the illuminating work of the Holy Spirit in helping unbelievers to see the truth of the gospel.
Scripturesavvy.com: By sharing stories of God’s goodness in our community, we inspire hope and strengthen our faith. Through conversations about God’s marvelous works, we bolster one another during tough times. The act of remembering and thanking God for His past actions allows us to enhance our future trust in Him.
“’Before we reach the heavenly fields – Because of God’s love for us, He not only has prepared a wonderful place for us when we die, or when we meet Him in the air. He also provides ‘sacred sweets’ before we reach the ‘heavenly fields.’ Those ‘sacred sweets’ are the daily blessings we receive while on earth. Another day of life. Another day to share with one another. New babies that are born every day. New joys of helping someone find Christ. Each of those things are blessings that happen before we get to Heaven, and we ought to be truly grateful for those ‘sacred sweets.’” Hymnoftheweek.net
Studylight.org, Dr, Constable’s Expository Notes: John described the street or pavement of the city probably referring to all the streets since all would be connected. These were pure gold, as pure as transparent glass. Old Testament priests who ministered in Solomon’s temple walked on a gold floor originally.
“Marching and upward. We shouldn’t be ‘strolling’ to Zion or ‘wandering’ to Zion. No, we should be marching – with purpose, with intensity because we know where we are going. Secondly, we should be marching upward. Upward to a better place. Upward to a higher place. We aren’t heading downhill. We are marching upward to the beautiful city of God.” Hymnoftheweek.net
Enduringword.com: In heaven, the redeemed will know no more sorrow or pain. The hurt and the struggle of this earthly life are gone, and tears are a thing of the past, because God will wipe away every tear . . . We also understand from this that every tear will only be wiped away in heaven. On this earth, we have our share of pain and tears to endure and bring to God. He shows His love now with sweet consolation and strength for our tears; but one day – in heaven, not now – He will wipe them away forever.
This hymn is a reminder that the believers journey is to
another world. Too often, we Christians forget our calling and journey. From
these stanzas, we can see how Watts not only wanted the singer to communicate
the joy of what was to come through eternal life in heaven, but also the
blessings of God on earth.
You can find a complete story of Watts’ life in the hymn
study of “I Sing the Mighty Power of God” in February 2024, which can be found
down the right side of this blog under the Archives.
By His Grace . . .
