Preparing for Sunday

Song Highlight: O Church Arise

Our hymn highlight this week is O Church Arise by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend. While the majority of the hymns we sing focus on the character, work, and attributes of God, this song is addressed to His church. It’s not a hymn that worships the church, but rather worships God as we remind one another of the Church’s mission and of the great truths that He has promised to His bride. This hymn follows what Paul says in Ephesians 5:19 to be “addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart.” (ESV).     

Verse one of this hymn is a call to action to rise up and do the work God has called us to do. It reminds us that in order to do this work, we are to put on the spiritual armor of God and prepare ourselves against the attacks of the evil one. Verse two is a call to love our enemies and to minister the Gospel with great peace even amid many trials because we know the victory is already won in Christ. Verse three shifts our focus to the cross as we remember that it was there that our penalty was paid. The song triumphantly shifts to Christ’s resurrection where we remember that we have the sure hope of life and victory because of His victory over sin and death. Lastly, in light of this great victory, verse four reminds us of the Holy Spirit’s presence with us and how He will give us strength to minister boldly for the Gospel. The song closes in a Hebrews 11 fashion looking back at the lives of the “saints of olds” and being encouraged by their faithfulness. By seeing their faithfulness to carry the Gospel through the generations, we ought to continue to carry out this glorious work until Christ comes again in glory. What a wonderful encouragement to minister the Gospel faithfully to this dark and dying world! May the truths in this hymn sink in deep and be an encouragement to you every day as you faithfully serve our Lord and Savior.