Week 18: Another Country

“Another Country”

The Suez Crisis marked the final act of the British Empire, in the aftermath of the crisis Britain permanently lost its standing as a super-power.  The blow was a devastating one for a nation which had once been the most powerful on earth. The loss of earthly power and influence can be very difficult; however it can be a useful reminder that we are first and foremost citizens of the Kingdom of God. While on earth, love of country, when not idolatrous, can be a powerful virtue. However, it is only a temporary one, for, “the things of this world are passing away.”

In the poem, “I vow to thee my country” by British Ambassador Cecil Spring-Rice, we read of the virtue of a patriotism, “that stands the test, that lays upon the altar the dearest and the best, a love that never falters, a love that pays the price, a love that makes undaunted the final sacrifice.” However, in the final stanza, the author reminds us to recall, “another country…most dear to them that love her, most great to them that know.” In 2 Kings 6:16, Elisha tells the Israelites, to not be, “afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” In other words, we should not be afraid of earthly things, because, as believers, we are protected by God’s infinite power. Although, as Spring-Rice put it, “we may not count her armies, [and] we may not see her King, her fortress is a faithful heart, her pride is suffering.” In Psalms 20:7, King David warns us that while, “some trust in chariots, and some in horses”  we must put our faith in, “the name of the LORD our God.”  Instead of being overly concerned by the gain or loss of earthly power, we should work to expand the Kingdom of Heaven, a Kingdom which can never end, whose power can never fail. 

Written by Kipling to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Jubilee, at the peak of British power, the poem “Recessional” reflects on the temporary nature of earthly power, and reminds us to put our faith in the “Judge of Nations” rather than in military might or political influence.

God of our fathers, known of old—

Lord of our far-flung battle line—

Beneath whose awful hand we hold

Dominion over palm and pine—

Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet,

Lest we forget—lest we forget!

The tumult and the shouting dies—

The Captains and the Kings depart—

Still stands Thine ancient sacrifice,

An humble and a contrite heart.

Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet,

Lest we forget—lest we forget!

Far-called our navies melt away—

On dune and headland sinks the fire—

Lo, all our pomp of yesterday

Is one with Nineveh and Tyre!

Judge of the Nations, spare us yet,

Lest we forget—lest we forget!

If, drunk with sight of power, we loose

Wild tongues that have not Thee in awe—

Such boastings as the Gentiles use,

Or lesser breeds without the Law—

Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet,

Lest we forget—lest we forget!

For heathen heart that puts her trust

In reeking tube and iron shard—

All valiant dust that builds on dust,

And guarding calls not Thee to guard.

For frantic boast and foolish word,

Thy Mercy on Thy People, Lord!