Sunday, March 8, 2009

O Mega Little Flock:
Fear Not the Foe






KJV Matthew 7:15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. 16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?


"0 Little Flock, Fear Not the Foe"

by Johann M. Altenburg, 1584-1640

Translated by Catherine Winkworth, 1829-1878

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

2. 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.

3. As true as God's own Word is true.
Not earth nor hell with all their crew
Against us shall prevail.
A jest and byword are they grown;
God is with us, we are His own;
Our victory cannot fail.

4. 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,
World without end. Amen.

Hymn #263 The Lutheran Hymnal
Text: Luke 12:32
Author: Johann M. Altenburg, 1632, asc., ab.
Translated by: Catherine Winkworth, 1855, alt.
Titled: "Verzage nicht, du Haeuflein klein"
Tune: "Kommt her zu mir"
Melody: German, c. 1400