We’re Marching to Zion

1. We’re Marching to Zion #2, Sacred Selections

2. Background • Written by Isaac Watts (1674 -1748) • The song was first published around 1707 as part of a local hymnal in Southampton, England • Our tune was composed by Robert Lowry in 1867 • The original had 10 stanzas

3. Chorus – Marching to Zion • Zion • A name for Jerusalem. 1 Chronicles 11:4-9, David conquered Jerusalem and named it, “the city of David” • Used of the city, of the nation and of it’s people

4. Chorus – Marching to Zion • Zion • Quite often the term was used with dual implication1) Redeeming physical Israel2) Looking toward the coming of the LORD and His kingdom • The place where God meets with His people

5. Chorus – Marching to Zion • Zion • In the New TestamentMatt. 21:5, 12:15Romans 9:33, 1 Pet. 2:6 (Isa. 28:16) Rom. 11:26 (Psa. 14:26) • Hebrews 12:22-24, “You have come to Mt. Zion…” • Psalm 2:6-9 (Acts 13:33, Heb. 1:5, 5:5) – Jesus is in heaven now interceding for us Heb. 10:12, 12:2, Rom. 8:34, etc.

6. Chorus – Marching to Zion • We’re marching to Zion (chorus) • Speaks of our continually pressing toward heavenPhilippians 3:12-14 (cf. Heb. 12:1-2) • The beautiful city of God Hebrews 11:10, 13-16, cf. Revelations 21:9-22:5

7. Vs. 1 – Come we… • Come we that love the Lord • The call of a Christian Matt. 22:37, John 14:151 John 4:19, 5:3-5 – we will obey HimJames 1:12 – a crown promised to those who love Him

8. Vs. 1 – Come we… • And let our joys be known • Always, even in trying times, be joyful Philippians 4:4Acts 16:25, Paul and Silas in prisonJames 5:13 – if joyful, sing!

9. Vs. 1 – Come we… • Join in the song with sweet accord • Sing together. Singing can bring us together Eph. 5:19, Col. 3:16 • It is said as Israel traveled toward Jerusalem for feasts they would sing psalms (120-134)

10. Vs. 1 – Come we… • And thus surround the throne • The throne of God is in heaven. Our songs are a sacrifice to God Hebrews 13:15 • Also, as Christians, we can boldly come before His throne – Hebrews 4:16

11. Vs. 2 – Let those who refuse… • Let those refuse to sing who never knew our God • Those of the world do not have the same privileges as we do cf. Ephesians 2:12 • Also, the world doesn’t care to sing to God! • Let em!

12. Vs. 2 – Let those who refuse… • But children of the heavenly King, may speak their joys abroad • We are children of God 1 John 3:1 • We can and should speak of His joys abroad – 1 Peter 3:15, 2:9“I thank my God” Rom. 1:8, 1 Cor. 1:4, Phil. 1:3, etc.

13. Vs. 3 – The hill of Zion… • The hill of Zion yields a thousand sacred sweets • As we journey toward heaven, we have many blessings nowEphesians 1:3, 2 Cor. 1:3

14. Vs. 3 – The hill of Zion… • Before we reach the heavenly fields or walk the golden streets • Still addressing as we are on our wayLuke 18:29-30 • This also implies endurance – keep going! 2 Tim. 4:7 • The golden streets – Revelation 21:21

15. Vs. 4 – Then let our song abound… • Then let our song abound and every tear be dry • In this world we face troubles from many sides. But we are not defeated!2 Corinthians 4:7-9, 5:1-5, 1 Peter 5:7

16. Vs. 4 – Then let our song abound… • We’re marching through Immanuel’s ground • Immanuel – a name for JesusIsaiah 7:14, Matthew 1:23Immanuel – “God with us” – He IS with us. This is HIS world – 1 John 4:4, John 14:30 Romans 8:31

17. Vs. 4 – Then let our song abound… • To fairer world’s on high • Heaven is a grand place. Greater than anything this world has to offer!1 Peter 1:4, an inheritance, incorruptible and undefiled2 Peter 3:13, We look for new heavens and a new earth

18. We’re Marching To Zion#2, Sacred Selections Isaac WattsRobert Lowry

19. Are you with resolve marching toward Zion?