Spread, o, spread, thou mighty Word,
Spread the kingdom of the Lord,
Wheresoe’er His breath has giv’n
Life to beings meant for heav’n.
Tell them how the Father’s will
Made the world and keeps it still,
How His only Son He gave,
Man from sin and death to save.
Tell of our Redeemer’s love,
Who forever doth remove
By His holy sacrifice
All the guilt that on us lies.
Tell them of the Spirit giv’n
Now to guide us up to heav’n,
Strong and holy, just and true,
Working both to will and do.
Up! The rip’ning fields ye see,
Mighty shall the harvest be;
But the reapers still are few,
Great the work they have to do.
Lord of Harvest, let there be
Joy and strength to work for Thee
Till the nations far and near
See Thy light, and learn Thy fear.
Jonathan Bahnmeier, 1823. Translated by Catherine Winkworth
Read Matthew 13:3-9
(Mighty shall the harvest be. I’m not sure we believe that. If we did, I think we would be more inclined to head into the fields. I think we are convinced before we even begin that we will fail, that no one will listen, that our time will be wasted, that we will be mocked or embarrassed, or at the very least tongue-tied. But read the parable. Reread verse 8. Thirtyfold, sixtyfold, one hundredfold. Spread the Mighty Word!)
His Word is mighty. So is His power. I Sing the Mighty Power of God