Scripture References:
st. 1 = Deut. 8:3, Matt. 4:4
st. 4 = Rom. 10:14-17, 2 Tim. 4:2
Charles J. Jeffries (b. London, England, 1896; d. Bromley, Kent, England, 1972) wrote this hymn text in 1967, revealing a zeal for the mission of the church that he also expressed in his life and work. After studies at Malvern College and Magdalen College, Oxford, England, he served on the continent in World War I and was seriously injured; his voice was also damaged. He spent his career as a public servant in the Colonial Office, rising to joint deputy under secretary of state. Knighted in 1956, he served on the boards of the Society for the Promotion of Christian Knowledge and the British and Foreign Bible Society.
Versions of his text were published in the Lutheran Worship Supplement (1969) and in the Canadian Anglican and United Hymn Book (1971), where it was set to the tune DURROW. Of the five original stanzas, 1-3 are included and a fourth stanza combines parts of Jeffries's stanzas 4 and 5.
Inspired by Deuteronomy 8:3, which is quoted by Christ in Matthew 4:4–"One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God" (NRSV)–this text is a prayer that all modern means of communication be used to spread the gospel. As we sing the final stanza, we dedicate ourselves to be effective witnesses for the cause of Christ.
Liturgical Use:
Services that focus on modern missions and evangelism, encouraging the use of contemporary media to spread the gospel; ordination/commissioning of mission personnel.
--Psalter Hymnal Handbook, 1988
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