In celebrating World Communion Sunday yesterday, we sang the hymn “O God of Every Nation”. I am not sure if you are familiar with it or not, but I found the words to be extremely powerful and moving, especially when thinking about war and our world and America’s role in it all. It may be my new favorite hymn.
O God of every nation, of every race and land, redeem your whole creation with your almighty hand; where hate and fear divide us, and bitter threats are hurled, in love and mercy guide us and heal our strife-torn world.
From search for wealth and power and scorn of truth and right, from trust in bombs that shower destruction through the night, from pride of race and station and blindness to your way, deliver every nation, eternal God we pray.
Lord, strengthen all who labor that all may find release from fear of rattling saber, from dread of war’s increase; when hope and courage falter, Lord, let your voice be heard; with faith that none can alter, your servants undergird.
Keep bright in us the vision of days when war shall cease, when hatred and division give way to love and peace, till dawns the morning glorious when truth and justice reign, and Christ shall rule victorious o’er all the world’s domain.
It reminds me of Israel. When we were over there, we said on several occasions, “The only thing that can change this land and bring peace is Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace.” As we look over the landscape of our world, specifically our nation, and see the divisiveness that exists everywhere, it appears Jesus is the only answer for all of us.
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