“Have no Fear, Little Flock,” (ELW 764)
Devotion
The text for today's hymn cannot be published due to copyright limitations. We apologize for the inconvenience.
The first stanza of this hymn of course recalls the words of Jesus in the first verse of the gospel reading for this week. That first stanza was written by Marjorie Ann Jillson (b. 1931) and set to music by Heinz Werner Zimmerman in 1971. She was later asked to write three additional stanzas. The entire hymn was included in a collection called "Five Hymns," published in 1973 by Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, Mo.
The additional stanzas remind us that our living and loving God, through our savior and Lord, Jesus Christ, intends much more for us than freedom from fear. When we put our trust in the love of God, present and powerful through faith in Jesus and the work of the Holy Spirit, we have joy, confidence and cause to praise the living God, who lifts us up, restores and heals us.
Prayer
Living and loving God, free us from all fear. Assure us that we belong to and are cared for by Jesus. Grant us the confidence and trust that leads to joy, praise and gratitude. Amen.