The Text

“Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” (Luke 12:32)

The First Hymn

O little flock, fear not the foe
Who madly seeks your overthrow;
Dread not his rage and pow’r.
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 vict’ry 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.

Author: Jacob Fabricius (1593-1654), tr. Catherine Winkworth (1827-78)

The Other Hymn

Have no fear, little flock;
Have no fear, little flock, 
For the Father has chosen 
To give you the kingdom;
Have no fear, little flock!

Have good cheer, little flock;
Have good cheer, little flock, 
For the Father will keep you 
In his love forever;
Have good cheer, little flock!

Praise the Lord high above;
Praise the Lord high above, 
For he stoops down to heal you, 
Uplift and restore you;
Praise the Lord high above!

Thankful hearts raise to God;
Thankful hearts raise to God, 
For he stays close beside you, 
In all things works with you;
Thankful hearts raise to God!

Authors: Heinz Werner Zimmermann (1930-2022); Marjorie Jillson (1931-2010)