CHRISTIAN LIFE >> Watchfulness
SDAH 594
Heir of the kingdom, O why dost thou slumber?
Why art thou sleeping so near thy blest home?
Wake thee, arouse thee, and gird on thine armor,
Speed, for the moments are hurrying on.
Text
1
Heir of the kingdom, O why dost thou slumber?
Why art thou sleeping so near thy blest home?
Wake thee, arouse thee, and gird on thine armor,
Speed, for the moments are hurrying on.
2
Heir of the kingdom, say, why dost thou linger?
How canst thou tarry in sight of the prize?
Up, and adorn thee, the Savior is coming;
Haste to receive Him descending the skies.
3
Earth’s mighty nations, in strife and commotion,
Tremble with terror, and sink in dismay;
Listen, ’tis nought but the chariot’s loud rumbling;
Heir of the kingdom, no longer delay.
4
Stay not, O stay not for earth’s vain allurements!
See how its glory is passing away;
Break the strong fetters the foe hath bound o’er thee;
Heir of the kingdom, turn, turn thee away.
5
Keep the eye single, the head upward lifted;
Watch for the glory of earth’s coming King;
Lo! o’er the mountaintops light is now breaking;
Heirs of the kingdom, rejoice ye and sing.
Hymn Info
Biblical Reference
(a) Jas 2:5; Rom 13:11, 12 (c) Luke 21:25, 26 (d) 1 John 2:17 (e) Matt 6:22; Luke 21:28, 27
Author
Anonymous
Hymn Tune
RODMAN
Metrical Number
11.10.11.10.
Composer
Lowell Mason (1792-1872)
Get the hymn sheet in other keys here
Notes
Get to know the hymns a little deeper with the SDA Hymnal Companion. Use our song leader’s notes to engage your congregation in singing with understanding. Even better, involve kids in learning this hymn with our homeschooling materials.
The little horn grows out of, and among, the other horns of the terrible animal that represents the Roman Empire. Indeed, it uproots three of the ten kingdoms that grow out of pagan Rome. The little-horn power is an extension of pagan Rome and thus shares essential characteristics of the former empire. It usurps the prerogatives of Christ, persecutes God’s people, supposes to change God’s law, speaks against God, and acts as it pleases for three and a half times (which is 1,260 calendar years). This hymn reflect that despite the power that the little horn displays, Christ’s kingdom and power will triumph and still dominate above all kingdoms. (Lesson 8, 1st Quarter 2020 – Monday, The Little Horn, 2/17/2020)
The heavenly court scene of Daniel 7:9–14 depicts the central event of the chapter. The books; the Ancient of Days on the throne; and the Son of man, surrounded by heavenly clouds (Dan. 7:13) as He comes into the presence of the Ancient of Days, portray a scene of judgment in heaven. For the saints, who have been persecuted by the little horn, the judgment means vindication, salvation, and restoration. We should bear in mind that the judgment of the living will take place only when the time of probation closes and the seven last plagues begin to be poured on Babylon (Revelation 15, Revelation 16). But most important, we must not fear the judgment because the “Son of Man” is our representative in the heavenly tribunal. Thus, rather than condemnation, the heavenly judgment will bring us vindication and deliverance. (Lesson 8, 1st Quarter 2020 – Tuesday, The Court Was Seated, 2/17/2020)
As heirs of the Kingdom, we are called to wake up and arise. Let us gird our armor on and speed up for the moments are hurrying on. Keep the eye single to the glory of God and stay not for earth’s vain allurements. (Lesson 13, 1st Quarter 2021 -Wednesday, Community of Faith, 3/24/2021)
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