Christian, Dost Thou See Them, Service Book and Hymnal, 68
1 Christian, dost thou see them
On the holy ground,
How the powers of darkness
Compass thee around?
Christian, up and smite them,
Counting gain but loss;
Smite them by the merit
Of the holy Cross.
2 Christian, dost thou feel the,
How they work within,
Striving, tempting, luring,
Goading into sin?
Christian, never tremble,
Never be down-cast;
Gird thee for the battle,
Watch and pray and fast.
3 Christian, dost thou hear them,
How they speak thee fair:
Always fast and vigil,
Always watch and prayer?
Christian, answer boldly,
“While I breathe, I pray.”
Peace shall follow battle,
Night shall end in day.
4 Well I know thy trouble,
O my servant true,
Thou art very weary,
I was weary too;
But that toil shall make thee
Some day all mine own,
And the end of sorrow
Shall be near my throne.
Devotion
Military language has gone out of style in theology, and perhaps for good reason. It seems that we humans too easily confuse spiritual conflict with political conflict. And so we make war on God's little ones in God's name. Certainly, it's damaged language.
Nevertheless, it is a shame to leave it. For military language, in a vocabulary we know far too well, expresses the tension and drama of our "tour of duty" in the church's contest with the powers of darkness. The language is scriptural: 2 Timothy 2:4 speaks of the soldier's focus on the will of his enlisting officer.
The hymn, "Christian, Dost Thou See Them," is set in the heat of battle with the Evil One. You are hard pressed, surrounded by the enemy's warriors. In the midst of the fray you hear the voice of the One you adore, your Captain, calling out to stand firm. His voice gives you strength, and you battle on.
Prayer
Lord, call out to us in the heat of battle, and grant us such courage that we may stand firm. In your dear name, Amen.