LSB 666
Dr. Arnold Burron
Like many hymns, this hymn is one in which we are singing to each other. We are singing to encourage one another with Scripture. The first Scripture we find is Luke 12:32, in the title of this hymn. “Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the Kingdom.” In Luke 12, Jesus tells us not to be afraid about our many concerns and worries about this life, referring to us as His “Little Flock.” He is the Good Shepherd who gave His life for us—His flock.
Another Scripture reference which is of great encouragement to us is found in verse 2 of this hymn, which promises us that God will send “His Gideon.” We remember the story of Gideon in the Old Testament; the odds against God’s people were overwhelming, to the point that they were forced to flee to dens and caves in the mountains to escape from the invading Midianites. God raised up Gideon, and with only 300 men, God’s people were saved; the invisible power of God was greater than the visible power of man. Verse 2 tells us that, even though our mortal eyes cannot see God, He will right all wrongs, and take care of us.
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.
It might seem out of place to sing a hymn to one another, instead of directly to God. But when we encourage one another through song, we are simply doing what God tells us to do in two more Scriptures:
1 Thessalonians 5:11 “Therefore, encourage each other and strengthen one another as you are doing,” and
Romans 1:11, 12: “11 I long to see you to share a spiritual blessing with you so that you will be strengthened. 12 What I mean is that we may be encouraged by each other’s faith.”
Finally, the hymn has a lesson in it, based on Scripture; namely, that when we gather with other Christians in church, Bible study, or other Christian gatherings, our presence is important. Our presence might be as strong an encouragement to other Christians as a Scripture reading, a sermon, or a hymn!
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