What Our Father Does is Well
What our Father does is well
The hymn exemplifies Lutheran theology of God's sovereignty and hidden providence, teaching believers to trust God's governance even when circumstances appear contrary to divine goodness. It connects to the Reformation emphasis on faith's perseverance through affliction rather than prosperity theology.
History & Background
Samuel Rodigast wrote this German hymn 'Was Gott tut, das ist wohlgetan' in 1675 during a time of personal suffering and plague. August Crull's English translation appeared in 1923 and became the standard version in Lutheran hymnals.
Hymnal Appearances
- Lutheran Worship — 319
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 571
Translation
Bulletin Note
Samuel Rodigast, 1675. Written during persecution, this hymn embodies Lutheran faith in God's sovereignty amid affliction—not prosperity, but the cross-centered trust that divine providence transcends human understanding.
Preaching Connection
This hymn deepens the Law-Gospel proclamation by moving beyond the Law's condemnation of suffering as divine disfavor, instead anchoring believers in the Gospel's consolation that God's hidden providence is inherently good and trustworthy.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Law's condemnation → Gospel's grace → Christ's redemption → Faith's assurance
Themes
Divine providence Trust in God Affliction and consolation Acceptance of God's will