Now Let Us Come Before Him
Now let us come before Him
This hymn embodies Lutheran emphasis on congregational approach to God through Christ's work, reflecting the priesthood of all believers and confidence in God's covenant promises. It expresses the Lutheran balance between reverent awe before God's majesty and intimate access through prayer.
History & Background
Martin Behm's German hymn 'Nun laßt uns gehn und treten' was published in his Gesangbuch (1602) and became a standard Lutheran devotional hymn. English translations appeared in various Lutheran hymnals throughout the 19th and 20th centuries.
Hymnal Appearances
- Lutheran Worship — 184
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 122
Translation
Bulletin Note
Written by Martin Behm in 1602, this hymn celebrates Luther's recovery of the priesthood of all believers—the revolutionary truth that every baptized Christian may approach God directly, not through priestly gatekeepers, but through Christ alone.
Preaching Connection
This hymn embodies the Law-Gospel movement by beginning in humble reverence before God's majesty, then pivoting to Gospel confidence in Christ's mediation, making it a perfect congregational response to proclamation that moves from conviction to assurance.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Christ's compassionate presence amid human suffering and social chaos, calling the Church to incarnational witness and mercy
Themes
Reverence and worship Approach to God Prayer and devotion God's protection Trust in Providence