"Away from Us!" the Demon Cried
"Away from us!" the demon cried
The hymn emphasizes Christ's divine authority and power over all spiritual forces of evil, affirming the completeness of salvation through Him. It reflects Lutheran confidence in God's victory over demonic powers through Christ's incarnate Word and redemptive work.
History & Background
Written by Jaroslav Vajda in 1980, this hymn was first published in the 1982 Lutheran Book of Worship supplement and later included in Lutheran Service Book (2006). The text directly addresses the Gospel account of Christ's casting out of an unclean spirit in the Capernaum synagogue.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 542
- Lutheran Service Book — 541
Bulletin Note
Composed by Jaroslav Vajda in 1980, this modern hymn reflects Lutheran confidence in Christ's incarnate Word as supreme over all spiritual forces. It pairs confrontation with assurance, making it powerful for Epiphany and deliverance proclamation.
Preaching Connection
This hymn embodies the full arc of Law and Gospel: the demon's terrified recognition of Christ's supremacy exposes the powerlessness of all evil before the Word, while our singing proclaims the Gospel of complete liberation through the cross.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Christ's cosmic reign extends from personal redemption to universal salvation, transforming all creation through His resurrection power
Themes
Christ's authority over evil Demonology and spiritual warfare Power of Christ's word Healing and deliverance