God's War

I refuse to be comforted. I refuse to listen to sermons that assure me that “whatever happens, God is in control.” I refuse to read and listen to pastors, authors, and leaders that comfort me with God’s peace when everywhere around me I see God’s war.

-- Bojidar Marinov

The passage above is quoted from the article "I Refuse to Be Comforted" by the Rev. Bojidar Marinov. I recommend you click on the link & read the whole message.

This reminds me of the hymn "The Son of God Goes Forth to War" which is usually sung to the tune All Saints. In the movie "The Man Who Would be King", the hymn is sung to an old Irish tune called The Moreen, which I think fits the words very well.

To follow the words (below) as the melody plays, right-click on the links above & then choose "open in another tab".

Finally, there is the melody which is becoming my favorite for this hymn: Greyoaks. You can follow the words below as you play the video which uses this tune.

The Son of God goes forth to war,
A kingly crown to gain;
His blood red banner streams afar:
Who follows in His train?
Who best can drink his cup of woe,
Triumphant over pain,
Who patient bears his cross below,
He follows in His train.

That martyr first, whose eagle eye
Could pierce beyond the grave;
Who saw his Master in the sky,
And called on Him to save.
Like Him, with pardon on His tongue,
In midst of mortal pain,
He prayed for them that did the wrong:
Who follows in His train?

A glorious band, the chosen few
On whom the Spirit came;
Twelve valiant saints, their hope they knew,
And mocked the cross and flame.
They mocked the tyrant’s brandished steel,
The lion’s gory mane;
They bowed their heads the death to feel:
Who follows in their train?

A noble army, men and boys,
The matron and the maid,
Around the Savior’s throne rejoice,
In robes of light arrayed.
They climbed the steep ascent of Heav’n,
Through peril, toil and pain;
O God, to us may grace be given,
To follow in their train.