To Publish The Word

To Publish the Word

The Lord gave the word: great was the company of those that published it.

Psalm 68:11 (KJV)

Imagine singing a hymn in German your whole life and having only a vague understanding of what the words mean. That is how things used to be, until Mary Miller, from Shipshewana, Indiana, compiled a large book that is of great value to any Amish home. Our Heritage, Hope, and Faith is a collection of songs, prayers, and Scripture passages that keep the German heritage alive. It takes the High German of the Bible used in Amish services and translates the songs, prayers, and Scripture passages into everyday language.

Here is the summary of the hymn found on page 666 of the Ausbund:

The author recounts how God saved Israel from Pharaoh, the Philistines, the inhabitants of Canaan, etc. He asks God to help His people today who are prepared to bring their offering, and to help them cross their “Red Sea.” He admonishes those who are purified to stay pure.

Line 6 of the hymn reads, “For the Lord alone is my strength; He is become my Helper. For He proclaims His great works up[on] Pharaoh, the corrupt (doomed) one. Therefore He alone is my God, I want to honor Him in my afflictions; His name I want to exalt.”

Just as the hymnwriter used songs to connect the biblical story to the Anabaptists who lived under persecution hundreds of years ago, Mary Miller used her talents to make the message available to today’s generation of readers. Around the world God is using men and women to share His Good News through the written word. Is He asking you to join them?

Maybe God is asking you to write a note of encouragement to a friend. Maybe He wants you to jot down the prayer He’s put on your heart. Words are gifts we give others, birthed from the inspiration of God-within-us. Whether your gift is for one or for many, what words does God desire for you to “publish” today?

Dear heavenly Father, too often I worry about spelling, grammar, and other details instead of writing what You inspire in me. Today I sit with my pen and an eager heart. Speak, Lord.