Look Now He Stands Stones Could Not Hold Him Down
Look now he stands stones could not hold him down
This hymn celebrates the resurrection as God's ultimate victory over the powers of death and evil, central to Lutheran Easter proclamation. It emphasizes Christ's bodily resurrection and transformative power, themes fundamental to Lutheran soteriology and eschatology.
History & Background
Fred Pratt Green composed this modern Easter hymn in 1974 as part of his extensive hymnic output. It was first published in the Methodist hymnal and subsequently included in Lutheran hymnals including LBW (1978) and ELW (2006).
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 359
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 152
- With One Voice — 657
Bulletin Note
Written in 1974 by English hymnist Fred Pratt Green, this hymn pairs his vigorous theology with the grand tune Engelberg, creating a powerful Easter declaration of Christ's bodily resurrection and victory over evil.
Preaching Connection
This hymn embodies the Law-Gospel movement perfectly: it confronts us with death's apparent triumph, then proclaims the Gospel's resounding answer—Christ risen, alive, and reigning—anchoring our hope in resurrection rather than our own merit.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Proclamation of Christ's resurrection → Liberation from exile → Baptismal participation in victory → Eschatological hope and transformation
Themes
Resurrection Victory over death Christ's power Transformation Hope