There is a hymn among us that we love to sing, with a resounding and overcoming chorus that goes, “Mingle, mingle, hallelujah!” You may not recognize the words, but you’d probably recognize the tune, borrowed from the storied and famous Battle Hymn of the Republic. It is a tune for marching; it ushers in a feeling of triumph, victory, and glory. And there is truth behind that feeling: all throughout the scriptures, our God proclaims and establishes His victory over His enemy (Gen. 3:15, Exo. 17:14, Rev. 20:10).
But what does a victory march have to do with “mingling”? While it is lovely to admire and be assured of the Lord’s victory when we hear the original song, the second brings His victory into us. It begins, “God’s intention in this universe is with humanity…” Yes, not only is He victorious, but we are the means for Him to achieve His victory. And this hymn tells us the secret of how: mingling.
God’s intention in this universe is with humanity,
So the Lord became the Spirit just with man to mingled be.
We rejoice that we can all partake of His economy.
Yes, mingling is the way.
What does it mean to be mingled? It is not simply agreement, or even the union of two parties. When two things are mingled, they become inseparable. When a teabag steeps in water, the result is an inseparable solution of tea leaves and water — they are one. That same oneness is what God has prepared for us in and through Christ. When He came into us as the Spirit, He didn’t draw any separating lines between Himself and us — no! Everything He is and everything He has accomplished — they are ours for partaking.
This hymn may not at first glance be about victory, but in fact it is all about victory — it is a song in victory. When we proclaim, “Mingle, mingle, hallelujah!”, we proclaim and realize a victorious life won through oneness with our Lord: We are made alive in His resurrection, raised up and seated together with Him (Eph. 2:6). He accomplished victory; now we are one in His victory for Him to accomplish this “corporate entity” that God so desires (stanza 4). God and man, Christ and the church — this is God’s original intention, a mingling of divinity with humanity.
This is far beyond just admiration of His glory or appreciation of His victory; this is a living out of His victory and the ultimate death-blow to the enemy. Satan is not afraid of us appreciating God’s victory — but he is afraid of us being one with God in His victory. Whether we are studying in school, working at a job-site, or parenting our children, mingling with Him is the way to walk on the victory march, gaining His victory and ruling in every domain. From this mingling life being lived out, God’s heart’s desire will be fulfilled: “From the fruit of daily living, New Jerusalem we’ll see” (stanza 6). The ultimate fruit of this mingling life is His city — with all His overcomers as pillars, seated with Him on the throne — as the ultimate answer to the enemy (Rev. 3:12, 21). He will accomplish His plan through us — this indeed is triumphant, victorious, glorious!
(Above are notes of fellowship taken from a gathering on 1/26/2025, not reviewed by the speaker.)