Issues, Etc. The Holy Week Hymn, “The Royal Banners Forward Go” – Pr. David Petersen, 4/2/26 (0921)
Apr 2, 2026
David Petersen, pastor and editor of Gottesdienst, offers a concise mini bio as a Lutheran liturgy and hymnody scholar. He traces the hymn’s martial imagery and substitutionary atonement. He connects scriptural roots, baptism and Eucharist echoes, and the hymn’s ransom and triumph language. He highlights translation variants and the closing doxology.
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Meditate On The Cross As Gift And Victory
- When meditating on the cross follow Luther's counsel: view the crucifixion as a gift and cause for joy rather than pure sorrow.
- Petersen urges Christians to see the cross as fulfillment of the Father's will and the devil's defeat.
John's 'Lifted Up' Image Drives The Hymn
- John 12:32 and John’s theology of the hour (the cross as glory) are primary scriptural bases for the hymn's triumphant language.
- Petersen also cites Psalm 96 and John 19:37 as supporting images of the cross as banner and fountain of life.
Opening Stanza Portrays A Passion Procession
- The hymn's opening stanza is a triumphal procession: the cross, not an army, marches forward showcasing redemption paid in Christ's flesh.
- Petersen links Holy Week processions (Gethsemane to Golgotha) and passion instruments as the "royal banners."
