Have No Fear, Little Flock
Have no fear, little flock
The hymn captures the Lutheran emphasis on God's gracious care and the assurance of salvation grounded in the Father's good pleasure to give believers the kingdom. It reflects the Lutheran understanding of Christian confidence rooted not in human works but in divine mercy and the promise of God.
History & Background
Written by Swiss Reformed theologian and biblical scholar Frederic Louis Godet in 1871, this French hymn was translated into English by Margaret Apel in 1976 for use in Lutheran hymnody. It has become a beloved contemporary hymn expressing Jesus's promise to his disciples not to fear, as the Father delights to give them the kingdom.
Scripture References Heinz W. Zimmermann chose the words ofJesus st. 1 = Luke 12:32 from Luke 12:32 as his basis for writing stanza 1 in 1971. st. 1-4 = Matt. 17:1-8 Marjorie A. Jillson wrote stanzas 2-4 in 1972. The Mark 9:2-8 complete hymn, published by Concordia in Five Hymns (1973), features unison and SATB stanzas, which choir directors and organists will want to consult as alternate settings. The text has the character of a benediction: the Father has chosen to give you the kingdom (st. 1); the Father will keep you in his love forever (st. 2); the Lord stoops down to heal, uplift, and restore you (st. 3); God stays close beside you to work with you (st. 4). Stanza 3 has special significance for Jillson who says, C£What I learned from my own illness is that God will restore you, even if your body has to die first. ”
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 764
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 476
- Lutheran Service Book — 735
- Lutheran Worship — 410
- Psalter Hymnal — 366
- United Methodist Hymnal — 696
Translation
Liturgical Use
Use as a sung benediction; in conjunction with “Sermon on the Mount” preaching; for services with a theme of encouragement.
Bulletin Note
Written by Frederic Louis Godet in 1871, this hymn embodies the Lutheran conviction that salvation rests on divine mercy alone, not human merit—a comfort for the anxious conscience and the weary soul.
Preaching Connection
This hymn amplifies the Gospel's answer to human anxiety by grounding Christian assurance in the Father's sovereign grace and pleasure, moving hearers from fear of judgment to joy in promised inheritance.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: From the Law's exposure of human fear and anxiety to the Gospel's triple comfort: God's elective grace (kingdom given), God's preserving care (eternal keeping), and God's eschatological restoration (return in glory)
Themes
God's providence Christian assurance Trust in God The kingdom of God Discipleship