Let Us Ever Walk with Jesus
Let us ever walk with Jesus
This hymn exemplifies Lutheran soteriology by emphasizing the costliness of discipleship and the believer's responsive obedience to Christ's call to follow. The text reflects the paradox central to Lutheran theology: Christ's redemptive suffering becomes the model and empowerment for the Christian's willing self-denial.
History & Background
Originally published in German as 'Laßt uns dem Lamme folgen' by Sigismund von Birken in 1653. The English translation by John Stark appeared in 1858 and became the standard version for Lutheran hymnals.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 802
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 487
- Lutheran Service Book — 685
- Lift Up Your Hearts — 509
- Lutheran Worship — 381
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 409
- Voices Together — 614
Translation
Bulletin Note
Penned by German hymnodist Sigismund von Birken in 1653, this hymn marries the chorale tradition to radical discipleship, insisting that following Christ means bearing the cross as his redeemed and empowered disciples.
Preaching Connection
This hymn embodies the Lutheran insight that the Law's demand for self-denial finds its answer not in human effort, but in the Gospel's proclamation that Christ's suffering precedes and empowers our own witness.
Themes
Cross-bearing discipleship Following Christ Suffering and trials Faith perseverance Christian witness