Preach You the Word
Preach you the Word and plant it well
The hymn emphasizes the power of God's Word in preaching and its effects in various types of listeners, reflecting Lutheran commitment to sola scriptura and the centrality of Scripture in faith. It connects the parable's agricultural imagery to the church's call to faithful proclamation and the Holy Spirit's work through the Word.
History & Background
Written by Martin H. Behm in 1978, this contemporary hymn was first published in Lutheran Book of Worship (1978). The text directly expounds the Parable of the Sower from Luke 8, making theological application to the church's preaching mission.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 658
- Lutheran Service Book — 586
- Lutheran Worship — 259
Bulletin Note
Written in 1978 by Martin H. Behm, this hymn draws on the Parable of the Sower to celebrate the Lutheran conviction that Scripture, faithfully preached, accomplishes God's redemptive purpose despite human resistance or indifference.
Preaching Connection
This hymn embodies the Law's honest assessment of varied human responses to God's Word while celebrating the Gospel's promise that faithful proclamation always bears fruit in God's time and purpose.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Law-Gospel dialectic: fear and shame (stanzas 1-2) yield to Christ's transformative love (stanza 3), resulting in joyful obedience (stanza 4)
Themes
Word of God Gospel proclamation The Sower's parable Stewardship of the Gospel Faith and discipleship