The Lord Will Come and Not be Slow
The Lord will come and not be slow
This hymn expresses Lutheran confidence in Christ's assured return and the final judgment where God's justice triumphs, consistent with eschatological hope in the Augustana. It balances divine majesty with the assurance of salvation for believers.
History & Background
Written by John Milton, likely in the mid-17th century, this hymn paraphrases Psalm 98 and reflects eschatological hope. It first appeared in various hymnal collections and has been widely adopted in Lutheran and Reformed traditions.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 331
- The Hymnal 1982 — 462
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 318
- Lutheran Worship — 334
- New Century Hymnal — 166
Bulletin Note
John Milton (1608–1674) penned this Advent hymn in 1648. Its sturdy long meter and confident theology made it a staple of Reformed and Lutheran tradition, expressing unshakeable faith in divine justice and Christ's triumph.
Preaching Connection
This hymn amplifies the eschatological promise of the Gospel by declaring that Christ's return is both certain and near, offering believers comfort against the Law's exposure of judgment and sin.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: From desperate plea in darkness (Law) to triumphant assurance in Christ's presence (Gospel), culminating in eschatological hope
Themes
Second Coming of Christ Divine judgment Justice and mercy Hope in Christ's return Righteousness