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We're Marching to Zion
A Sermon based on the
hymn by Isaac Watts and Robert Lowry
Introduction
“We’re Marching to Zion” is a hymn of joyful assurance and spiritual
direction. Originally written by Isaac Watts and later set to a more
familiar tune by Robert Lowry, this beloved hymn expresses the
confidence of the faithful as they journey toward heaven. It is rooted
in biblical imagery like Hebrews 12:22: “But ye are come unto mount Sion,
and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem.” This song
reminds us that the Christian walk is not a dreary trudge—it is a
triumphant march toward glory.
The hymn stirs the
hearts of believers by reminding them of their identity as pilgrims.
Life is not random; it’s a journey with purpose. We are not wandering
aimlessly; we are marching toward Zion, the city of God. As Psalm 84:5
says, “Blessed is the man whose strength is in Thee; in whose heart are
the ways of them.” This hymn encourages us to walk in unity, with joy,
and with the destination always in view.
Let us now meditate
on the powerful truths found in each stanza of this inspiring hymn.
Stanza 1
Come, we that love the Lord,
And let our joys be known;
Join in a song with sweet accord,
Join in a song with sweet accord,
And thus surround the throne,
And thus surround the throne.
The hymn begins with
a call to unity among believers: “Come, we that love the Lord.” Love for
God is the uniting bond of all the faithful. Psalm 122:1 reflects this
same spirit: “I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the
house of the Lord.” Those who love the Lord naturally join in worship
and fellowship, surrounding His throne with joyful song.
Chorus
We’re marching to Zion,
Beautiful, beautiful Zion;
We’re marching upward to Zion,
The beautiful city of God.
The chorus
emphasizes our direction and destination. We’re not standing still—we’re
marching. Philippians 3:14
urges us to “press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of
God in Christ Jesus.” The upward march is one of hope and perseverance.
Zion, the “city of God,” symbolizes heaven, our eternal home.
Stanza 2
Let those refuse to sing
Who never knew our God;
But children of the heav’nly King,
But children of the heav’nly King
May speak their joys abroad,
May speak their joys abroad.
This stanza draws a
contrast between the saved and the lost. Those who do not know God have
no reason to sing, but we who are His children have every reason to
proclaim our joy. Romans 8:16 says, “The Spirit itself beareth witness
with our spirit, that we are the children of God.” Our joy should be
public, vocal, and contagious.
Stanza 3
The hill of Zion yields
A thousand sacred sweets
Before we reach the heav’nly fields,
Before we reach the heav’nly fields,
Or walk the golden streets,
Or walk the golden streets.
Even before we
arrive in heaven, the Christian life yields blessings—“a thousand sacred
sweets.” Psalm 34:8 invites us to “taste and see that the Lord is good.”
Every step of the journey brings spiritual strength, fellowship,
answered prayer, and peace of heart. These are foretastes of what awaits
us on the golden streets.
Stanza 4
Then let our songs abound,
And every tear be dry;
We’re marching through Immanuel’s ground,
We’re marching through Immanuel’s ground,
To fairer worlds on high,
To fairer worlds on high.
This final stanza
fills us with triumph. We sing with confidence, and our tears are dried.
Revelation 21:4 says that God will wipe away all tears, and there will
be no more death or sorrow. “Immanuel’s ground” reminds us that we are
marching through territory where Christ reigns. This is His world, and
we are His people heading to our eternal home.
We're Marching
to Zion Sermon Outline:
Introduction
Stanza 1 – The
Call to Unity in Worship
Chorus – The
Journey and Destination
Stanza 2 – The
Contrast Between Belief and Unbelief
Stanza 3 – The
Blessings Along the Way
Stanza 4 –
Triumph and Victory
Call to Action
Are you marching toward Zion or standing still? Are your eyes set on
heaven or distracted by the world? Join the faithful who love the Lord,
sing His praises, and walk with purpose. Zion awaits—but only for those
who follow the path of Jesus Christ. Step in line and march with us
today.
Scripture
Reference List:
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Hebrews 12:22 –
Zion, the city of God
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Psalm 122:1 –
Joy in worship
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Philippians 3:14
– Press toward the prize
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Romans 8:16 – We
are children of God
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Psalm 34:8 –
Taste and see God’s goodness
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Revelation 21:4
– No more sorrow
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Isaiah 35:10 –
Everlasting joy
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Psalm 107:2 –
Let the redeemed speak
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Ephesians 1:3 –
Spiritual blessings in Christ
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Psalm 95:1 –
Come, let us sing to the Lord
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Revelation 14:1
– The Lamb stands on Mount Zion
Song History
“We’re Marching to Zion” began with Isaac Watts, whose original text was
titled “Come, We That Love the Lord.” Robert Lowry later added the
joyful refrain and composed the now-familiar tune. The combination has
remained a favorite for generations, especially in congregations that
emphasize heaven as the Christian’s home and joy in the journey. Its
marching rhythm and triumphant tone continue to inspire faithfulness and
spiritual endurance.
Prepared by David Hersey of the church of Christ at
Granby, MO
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The
church of Christ
