There’s a Sound on the Wind

The eightieth anniversary of the D-day landings this week reminded us of those who gave their lives for our freedom, those who survived with permanent scars… I remembered this Graham Kendrick song, often called ‘Battle Hymn’.

There’s a sound on the wind like a victory song,
Listen now, let it rest on your soul.
It’s a song that I learned from a heavenly King,
It’s the song of a battle royal.

There’s a loud shout of victory that leaps from our hearts
As we wait for our conquering King.
There’s a triumph resounding from dark ages past
To the victory song we now sing.

Come on heaven’s children,
The city is in sight.
There will be no sadness
On the other side.

We have a picture of the victorious heavenly King who’s victory is over this world’s evils and suffering of. Wrongs are righted, injustices resolved; it’s the final victory that ends wars and brings eternal peace.

I discover that I’m part of this victory celebration, I’m one of ‘heaven’s children, the conquering King is also my Father. I’m sharing the joy and the peace.

There’ll be crowns for the conquerors and white robes to wear,
There will be no more sorrow or pain.
And the battles of earth shall be lost in the sight
Of the glorious Lamb that was slain.

Now the King of the ages approaches the earth,
He will burst through the gates of the sky,
And all men shall bow down to His beautiful name,
We shall rise with a shout, we shall fly!

Come on, heaven’s children,
The city is in sight.
There will be no sadness
On the other side.

We live in a suffering world of war and conflict, hatred and greed. It’s reality is always before us… international death and destruction, local sadness and suffering. Politicians promise much to resolve seemingly insoluble problems.  

Usually I’m an optimist. I’m positive about life. My faith gives me hope and purpose. I’m getting older, time is getting less, but life is good, my God is with me, and I want to make the most of it.

This picture of the ‘glorious Lamb that was slain’… Jesus who gave his life for our freedom, yet survived with permanent scars gives us a glimpse of a future where there will be no more sorrow or pain.

St Paul’s words ‘For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain’ have been familiar to me for many years. This morning I’m appreciating them a little more, looking forward to the day when the final tear will be wiped away.