Lord, Keep Us Steadfast in Your Word (Evangelical Lutheran Worship 517)
1 Lord, keep us steadfast in your Word;
Curb those who by deceit or sword
Would wrest the kingdom from your Son
And bring to naught all he has done.
2 Lord Jesus Christ, your pow’r make know,
For you are Lord of lords alone;
Defend your holy Church, that we
May sing your praise triumphantly.
3 O Comforter of priceless worth,
Send peace and unity on earth;
Support us in our final strife
And lead us out of death to life.
Text: Martin Luther; Music: J, Klug, Geistliche Lieder; Public Domain
Devotion
Luther wrote this hymn in 1541. He was in poor health, and the political situation in Europe was scary. The Turks were again threatening Europe, and Emperor Charles and the Protestant leaders of Germany formed opposing political alliances. War seemed imminent, so Luther wrote this hymn. It was meant to tell people where to turn in their dire situation. He told them to turn to the Father in the face of hostility, to Christ the Lord and protector of the church, to the Holy Spirit who brought peace and comfort with God. Translators removed the names of the enemies of which Luther spoke and instead listed their actions in every age with the words, “curb those who by deceit or sword” would try to destroy God’s kingdom. This hymn is Luther’s trinitarian way to say, “Turn to God’s amazing and productive Word amid illness, suffering, war, and disaster; there is where true power is.”
Prayer
Lord, thank you for sending your Word among us as Jesus, for broadcasting your word in sermons and conversations of your disciples, for making your word visible in baptism and communion, for inspiring your people to seek justice in working with and for the oppressed, and for having your word be expressed in acts of kindness and love. May your word direct our life and actions and may we be vehicles of your word to others. Amen.