Hymn 528 - If God Himself Be For Me

This weekend we are studying a hymn by Lutheran Pastor, Paul Gerhardt. Gerhardt lived about 100 years after Luther and in a very difficult time, politically and religiously. The Thirty Years War rages. Religious turmoil created havoc. He was familiar with persecution and tragedy. Three children died in infancy as well as a son and his wife in later years. He was forced to conform to false teaching or leave his call as pastor. His church and home were destroyed by war.

But in all of this, Gerhardt remained confident of the Lord's power and Christ's victory over sin, death and every enemy he might face. This hymn was based on the Apostle Paul's words to the Romans: "What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written: “For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.” Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:31-39) 

The hymn highlights the truth that God's love for us is sure because it is seen in the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. God is also more powerful than anything we will face in this life. And if God loves us so much that He gave His Son into death for us, what won't He do for us, that is for our ultimate good?

When you face challenges and loss in this life, look to Jesus and His cross. See the love of Jesus which is greater than any enemy we might face. Be assured of God's love and His power over death, sin, and Satan as well!

Join us this weekend as gather to express our joy for that Love of God which surpasses all our understanding!

May the LORD bless your joyful proclamation of God's love for you in Jesus this weekend!