NCCG.ORG - HYMNODY - 1. In the Mountains of Our Fathers

NCAY HYMNS 1. In the Mountains of Our Fathers (Christopher C. Warren) Third Edition, 2017
Second (Sacred Name) Edition, 2002
First Edition, 1992, Songs of the New Covenant, Vol.3, #57

In the Mountains of our Fathers is one of the early historical hymns of NCAY. It was written to a beautiful melody by A.C.Smyth (see below) whilst on an evangelising tour to Fredrikstad, Norway, in 1992, shortly after the organisation of the then New Covenant Christian Fellowship (NCCF), the precursur of the modern NCAY.
The hymn describes how the Gospel message was first brought to Norway - "the mountains of our fathers" (v.1) and "the snow-decked land of Ephraim" (v.2, representing all 10 Tribes)) on the wings of a new covenant (v.1) heralding the restoration of the millennial or "new" Israel (v.2). The central message is, as ever, the biblical revelation of the crucifixion and resurrection of Yah'shua (Jesus) (v.1) but along with it comes new revelation (the Olive Branch) to gather the end-time qodeshim (saints, set-apart ones) to Zion (vv.1,3), the twelve tribulation cities of refuge. And we are reminded of the central place of covenants in the assembly of the faithful (v.4).
The mood is one of exaltation, calling the qodeshim (saints, set-apart ones) to be true and faithful and energetic in the last-time gathering of Yahweh's people. This is symbolised by raising the banner of Zion high (v.2) so that all may see it and come. The driving force is the ahavah (love) of Yahweh (v.5).

1. In the mountains of our fathers
When the Cov'nant was not yet born,
Came the message of salvation
To gladden every heart.
T'was the news of Yah'shua crucified,
T'was the news of Yah'shua ris'n:
T'was the news of modern revelation
Of a covenant made anew.
2. In the snow-decked land of Ephraim
Where the tribes of Israel lingered,
Came a voice of exultation,
Saying, "Rise, ye saints of Yah!
"Take the banner of New Israel,
"Raise it high above your heads;
"Proclaim New Israel gathered,
"According to Yahweh's plan."
3. So the saints went out and witnessed
Of the news that Yah'shua brought;
One by one they came to Zion,
Their hearts aglow with love:
Holy angels thronged their meetings,
Heavenly visions opened wide;
So the saints knew that Yah was with them,
Guiding them to the promised land.
4. Let your hearts be glad, O Israel,
In the lands where Yah is gath'ring;
For the everlasting Gospel
Is known at every hand.
Be ye true to every covenant,
Be ye firm in all ye do:
Let Yah'shua sing for ever
In hearts made pure by love.
5. Hallelujah, Yah'shua, King!
May Your Name be honoured here;
Bless the souls who've come together
To spread Your Word abroad.
Let us never be found faithless,
Let us always be found true;
May the bursting song of Zion,
Proclaim: "Yah'shua, we love You!"