Hymns: There’s a Sound on the Wind (Battle Hymn)

I’ve been exploring some of the very modern worship songs as an old guy 😀. But now, I’ve decided to alternate between very modern hymns, old hymns, and in-between hymns, namely the worship songs from the 60s to the 90s that feature in hymnbooks such as Mission Praise. Today it’s the turn of the in-between hymns.

Today’s song is There’s a Sound on the Wind, from 1978.

This one is such a happy song, all about our future when Jesus returns. I’m a little puzzled that I don’t see any performances on YouTube. Some of the old hymns are still sung after hundred years, but some modern ones soon get forgotten. I can’t see myself forgetting this one. I probably first heard it around 1983, but I associate it with 1987. I led a little Baptist Youth Evangelism (BYE) team in Cork. The team, mainly from Northern Ireland, had a little choir, and this is one of the ones that they sung.

Why is it also called “Battle Hymn”? Well, life is a battle against evil. Sometimes evil comes from within ourselves, sometimes from the influence of others, and Satan and his demons are ultimately behind all that’s wrong with the world. But while God, for His own reasons, currently tolerates evil to some degree, ultimately it will be wiped off the face of the universe. In fact, there will be a New Heaven and New Earth. And Satan, his demons, and all those who refused to cross over to the Saviour’s side will be shut out for ever.

Revelation 21:4
⁴ ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

Revelation 22:15
¹⁵ Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.

People debate about the specifics of the end times. Some take great interest in all the details. This hymn is more of a broad celebration. And that’s how I’ve always seen the Book of Revelation. I’m somewhat interested in debates, but I don’t allow that to distract me from the broad message that God, His angels, and His people will have the ultimate victory. And there’s a very strong emphasis in the New Testament about looking forward to the return of Christ.

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!

Anyway, I do see some audio version on YouTube:

And here are a couple of hymns on a similar theme, one old and one newish: