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 implication 1) Redeeming physical Israel 2) 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 Testament Matt. 21:5, 12:15 Romans 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 heaven Philippians 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 14:15 1 John 4:19, 5:3-5 – we will obey Him James 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 4:4 Acts 16:25, Paul and Silas in prison James 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 now Ephesians 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 way Luke 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 Jesus Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 1:23 Immanuel – “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 undefiled 2 Peter 3:13, We look for new heavens and a new earth

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

19. Are you with resolve marching toward Zion?