Stand Up for Jesus

“Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day,
and having done all, to stand firm” (Ephesians 6:13).

You can tell from these daily musings that I love music and singing. I have no talent at all in this
area. Frankly, I envy those who do. I do wish I had musical ability. (In the resurrection, I
expect to sing like Pavarotti and play the cello like Yoyo Ma!) But what I cannot do, I can study
—and write about. That is why you get to read a lot of stories about hymns and hymnists. Here
is another for your consideration.

In the spring of 1858, a revival was taking place in Philadelphia. Rev. Dudley A. Tyng, a young
Episcopalian minister, soon came to be recognized as its leader. Tyng was noted as a staunch
defender of the faith and outspoken preacher against evil. He especially preached against the
evils of slavery. Tyng was known and loved for his zeal for the work of God. In addition to
serving his own local church, he preached midday services at the YMCA. These meetings
attracted crowds as large as 5,000. Among the interdenominational leaders who gathered around
him was the Presbyterian minister George Duffield, Jr.

In April of 1858, Tyng preached a powerful sermon at one of these meetings. One thousand men
responded to this message by committing their lives to Christ. During this sermon, Tyng
declared, “I would rather that this right arm were amputated at the trunk than that I should come
short of my duty to you in delivering God’s message.”

A few weeks later, on April 13th, Tyng was studying at his country home. He paused to go to
the barn to check on his mule, which was driving a machine that shelled corn. As he patted down
the animal, the sleeve of his gown got caught in the cogs of the machine, and his arm was
severely injured. Later the arm had to be amputated. Soon the wound became worse, and Tyng
died the following week. Before he died, however, he was asked if there were any messages he
would give to those who had participated with him in the revival work. Tyng responded briefly
with these words, “Tell them, ‘Let us all stand up for Jesus.’”

In the days following Tyng’s death, many events honored him. These final words were invoked
repeatedly and became a resounding exhortation to everyone affected by his ministry. When
George Duffield preached to his own congregation the next week, he focused on Ephesians 6:14
(“Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth…”). Duffield concluded his sermon with
a new hymn he had written. It began, “Stand up, stand up for Jesus.” The hymn was soon picked
up by Presbyterian and Congregationalist publishers and quickly became popular. Similar to
“Onward Christian Soldiers,” it was a favorite among soldiers of the Civil War, most likely
because of its militaristic imagery. But the connection to earthly battles was not the author’s
intent. Rather, the hymn references our spiritual fight for the faith. We are surrounded by
spiritual enemies, and we are called to stand in the strength the Lord supplies.

Child of God, we are in a war. There have been many times in our past when this was not
obvious. The battles were more subtle. Now, the warfare is more open. Our faith, our values,
our peace of mind, our liberty and security are all under attack. But in this time of great crisis,
do not lose heart, do not despair. Our victory is assured. The battles may rage, but the war is
already won. Christ has already defeated the ultimate adversary. Though our enemy may wage
an ongoing guerrilla campaign, he fights as a defeated foe. In his foolishness, this vanquished
enemy refuses to concede. Thus battles still rage (for the moment). Yet now, in the heat of
battle, it is not the time to be afraid. It is not the time to run. It is the time to rise up, press
forward, and conquer in the name of our Lord and Savior. It is the time to stand up for Jesus!
You are on the winning side. Your triumph is certain. Stand up, press on, move forward in His
victory.

Stand up, stand up for Jesus, ye soldiers of the cross;

Lift high His royal banner, it must not suffer loss.
From victory unto victory His army shall He lead,
Till every foe is vanquished, and Christ is Lord indeed.

Stand up, stand up for Jesus, stand in His strength alone;

The arm of flesh will fail you, ye dare not trust your own.
Put on the Gospel armor, each piece put on with prayer;
Where duty calls or danger, be never wanting there.

Stand up, stand up for Jesus, the strife will not be long;
This day the noise of battle, the next the victor’s song.
To those who vanquish evil a crown of life shall be;
They with the King of Glory shall reign eternally.

By Victor Morris, ANM devotional

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