Friday, February 5, 2010

A hymn for post #666


This is post #666 on my blog. Without this post, Sunday's sermon (scheduled to be posted on Sunday morning) would have been post #666. I couldn't let that happen. So taking a cue from the editors of Lutheran Service Book, for this post I used the text of the hymn they appropriately chose for that same number.

O little flock, fear not the Foe
Who madly seeks your overthrow;
Dread not his rage and power.
And though your courage sometimes faints,
His seeming triumph o'er God's saints
Lasts but a little hour.

Be of good cheer; your cause belongs
To Him who can avenge your wrongs;
Leave it to Him, our Lord.
Though hidden yet from mortal eyes,
His Gideon shall for you arise,
Uphold you and His Word.

As true as God's own Word is true.
Not earth nor hell's satanic crew
Against us shall prevail.
Their might? A joke, a mere facade!
God is with us and we with God -
Our victory cannot fail.

Amen, Lord Jesus, grant our prayer;
Great Captain, now Thine arm make bare,
Fight for us once again!
So shall Thy saints and martyrs raise
A mighty chorus to Thy praise,
Forevermore. Amen.

Text: Jacob Fabrizius, 1593-1564; translated by Catherine Winkworth, 1827-78, alt.

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