As Rebels, Lord, Who Foolishly Have Wandered
As rebels, Lord, who foolishly have wandered
As Rebels, Lord, Who Foolishly Have Wandered is a hymn text by Jaroslav J. Vajda (1980) in 8.7.8.7 D meter. Found in elw 654, lsb 612.
The hymn expresses core Lutheran understanding of sin, repentance, and justification by grace through faith, emphasizing human sinfulness and God's unreserved forgiveness. It reflects the Law-Gospel distinction central to Lutheran teaching: acknowledging human rebellion and receiving divine mercy.
History & Background
Written by Jaroslav Vajda in 1980, this contemporary hymn retells the parable of the Prodigal Son with emphasis on the penitential journey and divine mercy. It was first published in Lutheran worship resources and has become a standard Lenten hymn in Lutheran hymnals.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 654
- Lutheran Service Book — 612
Bulletin Note
Jaroslav Vajda (1919–2008), a Lutheran hymnist and translator, composed this text in 1980 during a revival of congregational song rooted in Lutheran theology. It exemplifies his gift for honest confession wed to evangelical assurance.
Preaching Connection
This hymn powerfully embodies the Law-Gospel movement: it strips away self-deception by naming human rebellion, then pivots entirely to divine mercy, making it an ideal companion to any sermon on repentance and justification by grace through faith.
Catechism & Confessional Connections
- Confession of Sin Small Catechism — Confession
In the Church Year
Suggested in the one-year series
- Trinity 3 (1×)
Suggested in the three-year series
- Proper 9 (2×)
- Lent 4 (1×)
- Proper 18 (1×)
From LCMS Worship's published hymn suggestions, 2014–2026. The count is how many of those yearly lists suggested this hymn for that day.
Themes
Repentance and forgiveness Prodigal son parable God's mercy and grace Reconciliation Return to God