HYMN: The Lord Our God Is Faithful

Back in June, while at a conference about Paul Gerhardt, Martin Luther, and JS Bach, I wrote early drafts for two hymns for the Easter Vigil project I’ve been working on. While all the hymns I post (and, indeed, even the hymns I published in my book, Rejoice, O Zion, Sing!) are works in progress, these two felt like they needed work before I shared them here. 

This first one is based on Deuteronomy 31, which discusses God’s faithfulness to Israel while Israel becomes increasingly faithless. Though it is not part of the text included in the Vigil, I also included some of Deuteronomy 32’s Song of Moses, because it seemed like something was missing from the hymn without it. Anyway, feedback is love.

The Lord Our God Is Faithful

for the Easter Vigil

God’s Faithfulness to Israel—Deuteronomy 31:19-29 (and 32:1-43)

1. The Lord our God is faithful.

His Word is sure and true;

It always will accomplish

What He sets out to do.

His people, as He promised,

At last to Canaan came,

The land of milk and honey.

All glory to His name!

2. The Lord said unto Moses

As Moses neared his end:

“My people will forget Me

On whom they did depend.

So write a song as witness 

Of all I gave by grace.

When false gods then consume them,

Their shame they must embrace.”

3. Said Moses, “Earth and heaven,

Oh, hear God’s holy name.

His work is just and perfect.

His ways are free from blame.

O crooked generation,

Why are you so unwise?

For this is God your Father

Who hears your faithless cries.

4. “Oh, listen as your fathers

Recall from days of old

How God made you His people

And heirs of grace untold.

Behold His servant Jacob,

The apple of His eye.

God gave him wine and cattle

And lifted him on high.

5. “The Lord will judge His people,

And though they turned away,

He shows His great compassion.

His love He will display.

Rejoice! Rejoice, O nations!

Rejoice, my people! Sing!

For God provides atonement.

Salvation He shall bring.”

6. To Joshua the faithful

The Lord God gave command.

“Be strong and of good courage, 

For into this new land

You, child, shall lead my people:

This land so rich and fair,

And know I will be with you

To see you safely there.”

7. Then Moses told the Levites,

“Receive this book of Law

And by the Ark now place it,

That you may see your flaw.

I know your sad rebellion.

I know that, when I die,

Your evil will befall you;

God’s Law you will deny.”

8. O faithful God, we praise You.

Your sacred song we sing.

You blot out our transgression.

From You all graces spring.

Oh, lead us to that country

With milk and honey blest.

Christ’s holy blood and body:

Our endless Paschal Feast.