Keep Watch”
After the uproar ceased at last,
Paul embraced the saints and passed
Through Macedonia once again,
Encouraging the faithful men.
In Greece he stayed for months three,
Till plots arose beside the sea.
He turned back through Macedonia’s way,
With companions joining day by day.
In Troas on the first day’s light,
They gathered there to break the bread that night.
Paul spoke long till midnight hour,
Upper room lit by lamps’ soft power.
A young man, Eutychus by name,
Sat in window weary and faint.
Overcome by heavy sleep,
He fell three stories to the street.
They lifted him — no life was found,
But Paul went down and wrapped him round:
“Do not be troubled,” Paul declared,
“For life remains — the Lord has spared.”
He rose again, returned upstairs,
Broke the bread and shared in prayers.
Till dawn he spoke, then went away,
The boy alive at break of day.
Chorus
Through night and trial, through tearful word,
The Spirit guides the Church of God.
Hold fast the flock, guard what was won —
Purchased by the blood of His Son.
From Troas to Miletus’ shore,
Paul called elders he’d known before.
“I served the Lord with humble tears,
Through trials, threats, and testing years.
I did not shrink from what was true —
Proclaimed repentance unto you,
Toward our God and faith in Christ,
Both Jew and Greek alike.
Now bound in Spirit, I go on,
Not knowing what shall soon come.
Only this — in every town,
Chains and trials will abound.
Yet I count not life as dear,
If I may finish without fear
The ministry the Lord has given —
To testify God’s grace from heaven.
You’ll see my face no more again —
I am innocent of all men.
I did not shrink from God’s full will —
His counsel whole I taught you still.
So keep watch over yourselves,
And all the flock the Spirit compels,
Overseers by His command,
To shepherd what His blood has planned.
Savage wolves will rise inside,
Twisting truth and turning aside.
Be alert, remember well,
The tears with which I warned you still.
Now I commend you to His grace,
Which builds you firm in every place.
I coveted no silver gain —
My hands supplied through toil and pain.
Remember words the Lord once gave:
‘More blessed to give than to receive.’”
They knelt and prayed upon the shore,
Wept aloud for what was more —
Grieved to know they’d see no more
His face departing from that shore.
Chorus
Through night and trial, through tearful word,
The Church stands firm upon the Lord.
Guard the flock, endure, be strong —
The risen Christ leads on.
