Track 6 on The ❤️ Of Missions
Lord of the Islands
Built on Matthew 28:18–20, Matthew 28:18, and Matthew 28:19
01Read along
The study behind the song
Built on Matthew 28:18–20, Matthew 28:18, Matthew 28:19, Matthew 28:20, 1 Corinthians 15:58, and Isaiah 42:4.
Written from the heart of John Paton, this song tells his story through the two passages the lyrics have him holding onto. The first is the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20. Before Jesus sends His followers to make disciples of all nations, He claims all authority in heaven and on earth, and He promises to be with them to the end of the age. On Tanna, Paton buries his wife and newborn son with his own hands and faces warriors with muskets and knives. The verse shows that promise is what keeps him standing.
The second verse moves to Aniwa. A well is dug, fresh water rises, the chief credits Jehovah, and the idols are burned. Here Paton reaches for 1 Corinthians 15:58: be steadfast, immovable, because labor in the Lord is not in vain. The chorus names Jesus Lord of the islands, driving out dark powers and taking back what is His. The outro echoes Isaiah's islands waiting for His law, then Romans 11: the wild branches work on until the natural branches return.
02Sing along
Lyrics
Intro
Fast, pounding tribal drums lock into a heavy synth bassline
Spoken word, intense and urgent
"You will be eaten by cannibals!" the old men cried.
"Mr. Dickson," Paton replied, "you will soon be in your grave, eaten by worms."
"I care not if I am eaten by cannibals or worms, if I serve the Lord Jesus!"
Verse 1
John Paton left the Scottish streets and sailed the South Pacific wave
To the island of Tanna, where the warlords dug the grave
A land of literal cannibals, bound to the ancestral fear
Sacrificing to the local gods who kept the darkness near
Within a few short months, his wife and newborn baby died
He dug their graves with his bare hands as the lonely nights inside
The tribal warriors surrounded him with muskets and with knives
But Paton stood his ground because he knew the King survives!
He held to the final command that Jesus left before the throne
The military guarantee that guards the worker when alone:
"All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth" to stand (Matthew 28:18)
"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations" in every land! (Matthew 28:19)
"And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age" clear (Matthew 28:20)
He knew the territorial gods couldn’t touch him while he's here!
Chorus
He’s the Lord of the islands! Lord of the roaring sea!
Evicting the dark principalities to set the captives free!
From the shores of Scotland to the cannibal coastlines steep
The King of Hosts is taking back the territory He will keep!
Verse 2
He went to the island of Aniwa, dug a well to find the spring
When fresh water flowed from the dirt, they recognized the King!
The old chief shouted to the tribe, "The Jehovah God gives rain!"
They burned their idols in the fire, breaking the ancient chain!
Every single soul on that island confessed the Savior's worth
Fulfilling the ancient promise to the corners of the earth
Paton looked at the redeemed tribes and his heart began to swell
Quoting the verse that anchored him against the gates of hell:
"Therefore, my dear brothers, be steadfast, immovable," stand strong (1 Corinthians 15:58)
"Always excelling in the Lord’s work," where we all belong! (1 Corinthians 15:58)
"Knowing that your labor in the Lord is not in vain" at all
The global counter-offensive answers the eternal call!
Outro
Tribal drums mix with massive techno-synths and orchestral strings
Aniwa is redeemed.
The islands are waiting for His law.
The wild shoots finish the job.
Until the natural branches return.
Beat cuts out sharply on the word "Return"
03Keep listening