A Worship Magazine
Easley Presbyterian Church
Easley, SC
Feb. 2017
Vol. 3 Issue 1
A common thread that joins us together with Christ and with each other.
The Church Community in Kingdomtide Christians are formed in community and thrive as members of a community. This is one of the ways in which the Christian church can be countercultural. Our culture has become powerfully individualistic and self-indulgent. In many ways the churches were carried along into that rise of individuality in the culture and began placing greater importance upon personal experience than on the presence of Christ in the gathered assembly. From studying the early church and through reading Scripture, we have learned how powerfully the community aspects of the first Christians affected the growth of the church. The
church of Christ was a community of equals, where all of the baptized were valued as members of Christ’s body. We have an opportunity to recover that early principle of community in our worship. We are called to be one body in Christ. We are called to be a community of believers. It is in community with other Christians that we learn to pray. By listening to the voice of prayer. Private worship and private prayer is an outgrowth of communal worship. Let us join together as one body and one voice as we worship our one Lord.
Chronos and kairos are both Greek words referring to kinds of time. Chronos is the ordinary, measured time in which we live: the passing of days and years, the human division of time into hours and minutes. Kairos, on the other hand, stands outside ordinary time. Kairos is the fullness of time, decisive time, or God’s time. The earliest portions of the New Testament are full of this kairos—time. “The time (kairos) is fulfilled, and the kingdom
of
God
has
come
near.” (Mark 1:15) This week, let us enter into God’s space, and God’s time, and worship with our whole heart and mind.
The more of our lives we bring into our worship, and the more our faith spreads into all areas of our lives, then the more vital our worship becomes.
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Sunday, February 5 “Wedding banquet”
Matthew 22: 1-14
Once more Jesus spoke to them in parables, saying: “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding banquet for his son. He sent his slaves to call those who had been invited to the wedding banquet, but they would not come. Again he sent other slaves, saying, ‘Tell those who have been invited: Look, I have prepared my dinner, my oxen and my fat calves have been slaughtered, and everything is ready; come to the wedding banquet.’ But they made light of it and went away, one to his farm, another to his business, 6 while the rest seized his slaves, mistreated them, and killed them. The king was enraged. He sent his troops, destroyed those murderers, and burned their city. Then he said to his slaves, ‘The wedding is ready, but those invited were not worthy. Go therefore into the main streets, and invite everyone you find to the wedding banquet.’ Those slaves went out into the streets and gathered all whom they found, both good and bad; so the wedding hall was filled with guests. “But when the king came in to see the guests, he noticed a man there who was not wearing a wedding robe, and he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you get in here without a wedding robe?’ And he was speechless. Then the king said to the attendants, ‘Bind him hand and foot, and throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ For many are called, but few are chosen.”
Hymn Meditation: “Come, Ye Sinners, Poor and Needy” (click title to listen) Joseph Hart, author of “Come, Ye Sinners, Poor and Needy”, was born in London in 1712. He was raised in a Christian home, but he turned away from the church in his twenties. He even described himself as a “monstrous sinner.” He wrote, “I ran such dangerous lengths both of carnal and of spiritual wickedness that I outwent professed infidels.” Joseph even wrote an anti-Christian pamphlet entitled “The Unreasonableness of Religion,” in response to a sermon John Wesley preached from Romans 8. Finally, at age forty-five, after a serious bout with depression, his heart was turned again to Christ, after attending a Moravian service on Pentecost Sunday 1757. “Such a light and comfort flowed into my heart, as no words can paint.” Soon Joseph was writing Christian poems which became very popular. He entered into ministry and served in a meetinghouse in London until his death in 1768. By then, he was so beloved that 20,000 people attended his funeral. His greatest hymn is an expression of his testimony: “I will arise and go to Jesus, he will embrace me in his arms. In the arms of my dear Savior, O , there are ten thousand charms.”
Come, ye sinners, poor and needy, Weak and wounded, sick and sore; Jesus ready stands to save you, Full of pity, love, and power. I will arise and go to Jesus, He will embrace me in his arms. In the arms of my dear Savior, O, there are ten thousand charms. Come, ye thirsty, come, and welcome; God’s free bounty glorify, True belief and true repentance, Every grace that brings you nigh. Come, ye weary, heavy laden, Lost and ruined by the fall; If you tary till you’re better, you will never come at all.
Let not conscience make you linger, Nor of fitness fondly dream; —Kenneth W. Osbeck “101 Hymn Sotires” All the fitness he requireth Is to feel your need of him.
— Joseph Hart
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Prayer Response : “Take, O Take me as I Am” (click title to listen) Take, O take me as I am. Summon out what I shall be; Set your seal upon my heart And live in me. — John L. Bell
Anthem Meditation: “Let Everyone Who Is Thirsty, Come” (click title to listen) “They have forsaken Me, the Spring of Living Water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water.” Jeremiah 2:13 Jeremiah speaks to a sinful Judah with powerful imagery. Precious water meant life to ancient peoples in the dry Near East. Attacking military forces laid siege to walled cities and tried to cut them off from their water supply. Now Jeremiah suggests Judah’s twofold foolishness. First, they have forsaken Him, their “Spring of Living Water.” Second, they have dug their own cisterns, which turn out to be broken and unable to hold water. Their own efforts have failed miserably. Don’t we often try to construct our own cisterns to hold the water of this world? We want wealth, pleasure, success, happiness, recognition. But these cisterns don’t hold water. All the while we have forsaken the neverending Spring of Living Water provided by a loving God. Confession time. Let everyone who is thirsty, come. Jesus refers to Him- Let everyone who is thirsty, come. self as Living Water O let anyone who will, which will forever Come to Me and drink your fill. quench our thirst. Our Let everyone who is thirsty, come. selfish attempts to trap Come to the Water, come and know. water for ourselves fail His streams of mercy which overflow. in broken cisterns. But Come, let His healing wash over you. He offers us Himself. He O be cleansed, your sins forgiven, lived, died, and rose again for us. In the waters of Baptism we All things made new. receive Him as our Spring of Living Water. The Spirit flows forth All the broken, Come. from us as we regularly use His Word and sacraments. Broken All the lonely, Come. cisterns abandoned, we come in faith to God’s Spring of Living All the weary, Come. Water, where we invite others to drink as well. All the weak and all the fearful, PRAYER: Thank You, dear Jesus, for being the Spring of Living All the timid and the tearful. Everyone who is thirsty, Come. Water which quenches my thirst and revives my soul. Amen. —- from “My Daily Devotion” by Dr. Stephen J. Carter
Let everyone who is thirsty, Come.
—Craig Curry
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Hymn Meditation: “We Come as Guests Invited” (click title to listen) O taste and see that the Lord is good.” Psalm 34:8 The psalmist calls for us to fully experience God’s goodness — experience with all of our senses. This morning, as you come into worship. Look We come as guests invited when Jesus bids us dine, over at the stained glass windows. See how the His friends on earth united to share the bread and wine; Light of Christ transforms the glass into someThe bread of life is broken; the wine is freely poured thing radiant and beautiful. Thank God for his For us, in solemn token of Christ our dying Lord. transforming power and for the beauty around us. We eat and drink, receiving from Christ the grace we need, And in our hearts believing on him by faith we feed; Listen as the organ plays. Let the music With wonder and thanksgiving for love that knows no end, wash over you and reach into you and move We find in Jesus living our ever-present friend. you. Thank God for the beauty of music. Thank Him for the way He reaches deep inside us and One bread is ours for sharing, one single fruitful vine, stirs our heart toward worship. Our fellowship declaring renewed in bread and wine: Touch the pew in front of you. Feel the Renewed, sustained, and given by token, sign, and word, smooth and strong wood. Thank God for His The pledge and seal of heaven, the love of Christ our Lord. sturdiness — for His strong and never-changing — Timothy Dudley-Smith, 1975 faithfulness to us. Open the Bible and smell the pages. (I happen to love the smell of old books.) That’s the smell of learning. It’s a smell that stretches back through time and connects us to the past. Thank God for this connection with worshippers throughout the centuries who have studied the Word and passed it down with great love and dedication. During communion, savor the taste of the bread and juice. Taste the sweetness of God’s mercy. Thank Him for the bitterness He drank so we could experience this sweetness. Thank him for all of our senses and how He “speaks” to us through them all. A few years ago, while I was helping serve communion, a little boy came to the altar to be served. He knelt down beside his parents and held out his hands to receive the little cup of grape juice. He drank the juice with gusto, smacked his lips and let out a big “Ah!” I couldn’t help but chuckle to myself at this child’s exuberance in receiving holy communion. After the service I had time to let that moment sink in a bit. The verse from Psalms echoed in my mind: “O taste and see that the Lord is good.” What a wonderful image of joy that pared with that verse. Communion is a holy act that strengthens us and sustains us. It fills us with grace. But this is a reminder that it also satisfies us in deep ways and fills us with joy. This communion, let us come to the table that the Lord has prepared. Let us come with joy to taste and see the goodness of our Lord. Let us smack our lips and say “Ah”, and leave satisfied and refreshed. Thanks be to God. Amen. — Robert Norris
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Hymn Meditation: “All Who Hunger, Gather Gladly” (click title to listen) Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him! -Psalm 34:8 We will not get very far in our relationship with God unless we understand that He is to be feared. In The Chronicles Of Narnia, an allegory by C. S. Lewis, the author tells about two girls, Susan and Lucy, who are getting ready to meet Aslan the lion, who represents Christ. Two talking animals, Mr. and Mrs. Beaver, prepare the children for the encounter. "Ooh," says Susan, "I thought he was a man. Is he quite safe? I shall feel rather nervous about meeting a lion." "That you will, dearie," replies Mrs. Beaver. "And make no mistake, if there's anyone who can appear before Aslan without their knees knocking, they're either braver than most or else just silly." "Then he isn't safe?" asks Lucy. "Safe?" says Mr. Beaver. "Don't you hear what Mrs. Beaver tells you? Who said anything about safe? Of course he isn't safe. But he's good. He's the king, I tell you!"
All who hunger, gather gladly; Holy manna is our bread. Come from wilderness and wandering. Here, in truth, we will be fed. You that yearn for days of fullness, All around us is our food. Taste and see the grace eternal. Taste and see that God is good. All who hunger, never strangers, Seeker, be a welcome guest. Come from restlessness and roaming. Here, in joy, we keep the feast. We that once were lost and scattered In communion’s love have stood. Taste and see the grace eternal. Taste and see that God is good. All who hunger, sing together; Jesus Christ is living bread. Come from loneliness and longing. Here. In peace, we have been led. Blest are those who from this table live there days in gratitude. Taste and see the grace eternal. Taste and see that God is good.
—Sylvia G. Dunstan, 1990
The psalmist understood this awesome wonder when he wrote, "Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him! Oh, fear the Lord, you His saints!" (Psalm 34:8-9). We need not cringe in terror, but we must live before Him with reverence and awe. Our holy God isn't "safe," but He is good. —HWR O taste and see that God is good To all who seek His face; Yea, blest that one who trusts in Him, Confiding in His grace. -Psalter Even when everything looks bad, God is good. Oh, how I fear Thee, living God, With deepest, tenderest fears And worship Thee with trembling hope And penitential tears! —Psalter If you fear God, you need fear nothing else. Jesus Christ be praised!”
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Sunday, February 12 Great Commandment Matthew 22:15-46
Then the Pharisees went and plotted to entrap him in what he said. So they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are sincere, and teach the way of God in accordance with truth, and show deference to no one; for you do not regard people with partiality. Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor, or not?” But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, “Why are you putting me to the test, you hypocrites? Show me the coin used for the tax.” And they brought him a denarius. Then he said to them, “Whose head is this, and whose title?” They answered, “The emperor’s.” Then he said to them, “Give therefore to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” When they heard this, they were amazed; and they left him and went away. The same day some Sadducees came to him, saying there is no resurrection; and they asked him a question, saying, “Teacher, Moses said, ‘If a man dies childless, his brother shall marry the widow, and raise up children for his brother.’ Now there were seven brothers among us; the first married, and died childless, leaving the widow to his brother. The second did the same, so also the third, down to the seventh. Last of all, the woman herself died. In the resurrection, then, whose wife of the seven will she be? For all of them had married her.” Jesus answered them, “You are wrong, because you know neither the scriptures nor the power of God. For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven. And as for the resurrection of the dead, have you not read what was said to you by God, ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? He is God not of the
dead, but of the living.” And when the crowd heard it, they were astounded at his teaching. When the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together, and one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question to test him. “Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?” He said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” Now while the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them this question: “What do you think of the Messiah? Whose son is he?” They said to him, “The son of David.” He said to them, “How is it then that David by the Spirit[ calls him Lord, saying, ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at my right hand, until I put your enemies under your feet”’? If David thus calls him Lord, how can he be his son?” 46 No one was able to give him an answer, nor from that day did anyone dare to ask him any more questions.
Hymn Meditation: “Praise Ye the Lord, the Almighty” (click title to listen) Let everything that breathes praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! Psalm 150:6 This hymn was written by Joachim Neander, born in 1650, whose father, grandfather, greatgrandfather, and great-great-grandfather — all Joachim Neanders — had been preachers. But this Joachim had a rebellious streak and at 20, he and a group of students ransacked a church during the worship service. The preacher at that church reached out to him and changed his views. A few years later, Joachim was assistant preacher at that very church. Joachim would often take long walks in Hochdal, Germany. He called them worship
7 Praise the Lord! God’s glories show, Alleluia! Saints within God’s courts below, Alleluia! Angels round the throne above, Alleluia! All who see and share God’s love. Alleluia! Earth to heaven exalt the strain, Alleluia! Send it, heaven, to earth again, Alleluia! Age to age, God’s mercies trace, Alleluia! Praise God’s providence and grace! Alleluia! Strings and voices, hands and hearts, Alleluia! In the concert, bear your parts, Alleluia! All the breathes, your Lord adore, Alleluia! Singing praise forevermore, Alleluia! — Henry Francis Lyte, 1836
walks where he would pray and meditate and often write hymns as he walked. He wrote this hymn while battling tuberculosis at age 30. He died later that same year. “Praise Ye the Lord, the Almighty, the King of Creation. O my soul praise Him, for He is Thy health and Salvation.” —from “Then Sings My Soul” by Robert J. Morgan
Anthem Meditation: “Let Us Love One Another” (click title to listen)
This anthem is by Dr. Robert C. Lau. Dr. Lau is from Lebanon PA. He has served on staff at several universities in the North East. He is currently an adjunct member of the Humanities Division of Penn State -Harrisburg. In addition to his work in education, Dr. Lau serves as Organist/Choirmaster at Mt. Calvary Episcopal Church in Camp Hill, PA, and maintains a private studio in Camp Hill, teaching composition, violin and viola. “Let Us Love One another” echoes the ideas set in Romans 12 — “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves...Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” It also answers the question of the sermon “What to Do When Others Make You Sick? — Let us Love One Another! Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers. Bless those who persecute you; Beloved, let us love one another, for love comes from God, bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep And all who know and call upon his name are children of our Lord. Beloved, this is what love is; not that we love God, with those who weep. Live in harBut that he loves us and sent his only Son to free us from our sin. mony with one another; do not be How can we not know our God? How can we not love our God? haughty, but associate with the He sent his only Son to die for all our sins. lowly; do not claim to be wiser Is there greater love than this? Is there greater love than this? than you are. Do not repay anyone Beloved, if this is how God loves, then we should love all men, evil for evil, but take thought for And live in perfect harmony with all, and God will live in us. what is noble in the sight of all. If it is Let us love one another. Let us love one another. — Arnold B. Sherman possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Be-
8 loved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord." No, "if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink; for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Hymn Meditation: “The Gift of Love” “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.” John 13:34 If I speak in the tongues of mortals and of angels, but do not have love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If “The Good Samaritan” —Liz Lemon Swindle I give away all my possessions, and if I hand over my body so that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the Though I may speak with bravest fire, truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, And have the gift to all inspire, And have not love, my words are vain, endures all things. Love never ends. But as for prophecies, they will come to an end; as for tongues, they will cease; as As sounding brass, and hopeless gain. for knowledge, it will come to an end. For we know only in Though I may give all I possess, part, and we prophesy only in part; but when the complete And striving so my love profess, comes, the partial will come to an end. When I was a child, I But not be given by love within, spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a The profit soon turns strangely thin. child; when I became an adult, I put an end to childish ways. Come, Spirit, come, our hearts control, For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then we will see face to Our spirits long to be made whole. face. Now I know only in part; then I will know fully, even as I Let inward love guide every deed; have been fully known. And now faith, hope, and love By this we worship, and are freed. abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love. — I Cor. —Hal Hopson 13 The familiar words of this hymn are a paraphrase of I Corinthians 13. The haunting melody is a traditional English tune: O WALY WALY. This pairing of text and tune were arranged by Hal Hopson, a well-known arranger of church music. Mr. Hopson lives in Dallas Texas, and currently has over 1000 published arrangements for church music.
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Hymn Meditation: “More Love to Thee, O Christ” “And this is my prayer: That your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ.” Phil. 1:9-11 To love Christ more is the deepest need, the constant cry of my soul … out in the woods, and on my bed, and out driving, … the whisper keeps going up for more love, more love, more love! These were the words of Elizabeth Prentiss, wife of a Presbyterian minister and author of this hymn text. She was often described by her many friends as “a very bright-eyed little woman with a keen sense of humor, who cared more to shine in her own happy household than a wide circle of society.” Although Elizabeth was strong in spirit, she was frail in body. Throughout her life, she was almost an invalid, scarcely knowing a moment free of pain. “More Love to Thee” was written by Mrs. More love to thee, O Christ, more love to thee! Prentiss during a time of great personal sorrow, Hear thou the prayer I make on bended knee. following the loss of two children in a short periThis is my earnest plea: More love, O Christ, to thee; od of time. During this period of grief, Mrs. More love to thee, more love to thee! Prentiss began meditating upon the story of Once earthly joy I craved, sought peace and rest; Jacob in the Old Testament. She noted how Now thee alone I seek, give what is best. God met him in a very special way during his This all my prayer shall be: More love, O Christ, to thee; moments of sorrow. Elizabeth prayed earnestly More love to thee, more love to thee! that she too might have a similar experience. Let sorrow do its work, come grief and pain; While she was meditating and praying one Sweet are thy messengers, sweet their refrain, When they can sing with me: More love, O Christ, to thee; evening, these four stanzas were born — words that have since become a universal prayer for More love to thee, more love to thee! devout believers everywhere: “This is my earThen shall my latest breath whisper thy praise; nest plea: More love, O Christ to Thee, more This be the parting cry my heart shall raise; love to Thee, more love to Thee! This still its prayer shall be: More love, O Christ, to thee; More love to thee, more love to thee! — Elizabeth Prentiss
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Love One Another
Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is[a]born of God and knows God. 8 The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love. 9 By this the love of God was manifested [b]in us, that God has sent His [c]only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him. 10 In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. 11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12 No one has seen God at any time; if we love one another, God abides in us, and His love is perfected in us. 13 By this we know that we abide in Him and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit. 14 We have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son to be the Savior of the world. 1 John 4:714 In Christ, we are given a new name — Beloved, loved of God. Christ called us to love one another, but he also came to show us how to love one another. Several years ago, I heard a sermon that has really stuck with me. The idea was not new, but it was eloquently expressed: “Hurt people hurt other people; but loved people love other people.” When we are hurt it is very easy and natural to respond with hurt — to lash out at others and hurt them as well (even when they are not the ones who have caused us hurt) — the feeling fills us up and flows out of us. Unfortunately, this truth is found not only in the workplace and schools and communities, but in our churches as well. We will not name names, although we all probably could. We all know that person who is always negative about everything — who always seems angry about something or at someone. They are hurt and filled with hurt and overflow with hurt. Sometimes we are even that person so consumed with hurt. They/we have forgotten who we are! In Christ we are “Beloved”. In Christ we are a deeply and dearly loved person. And loved people love other people. That is what Christ did. He loved us so that we could love each other. It’s easy to forget who we are. That is why scripture reminds us over and over again — and we should remind each other over and over again: Beloved (deeply loved child of God) because you have been loved and know love, we have been freed to show love and give love. Let’s turn to our neighbor and tell them: “Beloved, deeply loved child of God, let us love one another.” —RN Prayer: Holy Father, you have called us your beloved child. But I have known hurt and felt the deep burn of pain. Because of you, I have also been loved and know love. Forgive me when I hurt others. Help me to forgive when I am hurt by others. Remind us of who we are and teach us to love in you name. Amen.
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Sunday, February 19 cross sea and land to make a single convert, and you make the new convert twice as much a child of hell as yourselves. “Woe to you, blind guides, who say, ‘Whoever swears by the Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, “The sanctuary is bound by nothing, but whoever swears by the scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat; therefore, do whatever they teach you and follow it; but do not do as they gold of the sanctuary is bound by the oath.’ You blind fools! For which is greater, the gold or the sanctuary that has made do, for they do not practice what they teach. They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on the shoulders of the gold sacred? And you say, ‘Whoever swears by the altar is bound by nothing, but whoever swears by the gift that is on others; but they themselves are unwilling to lift a finger to move them. They do all their deeds to be seen by others; for the altar is bound by the oath.’ How blind you are! For which is greater, the gift or the altar that makes the gift sacred? So they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes whoever swears by the altar, swears by it and by everything long. They love to have the place of honor at banquets and on it; and whoever swears by the sanctuary, swears by it and the best seats in the synagogues, and to be greeted with reby the one who dwells in it; and whoever swears by heaven, spect in the marketplaces, and to have people call them rabbi. But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teach- swears by the throne of God and by the one who is seated upon it. er, and you are all students. And call no one your father on “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe earth, for you have one Father—the one in heaven. Nor are mint, dill, and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matyou to be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the ters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. It is these you Messiah. The greatest among you will be your servant. All ought to have practiced without neglecting the others. You who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel! themselves will be exalted. “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you “But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For clean the outside of the cup and of the plate, but inside they you lock people out of the kingdom of heaven. For you do not go in yourselves, and when others are going in, you stop are full of greed and self-indulgence. You blind Pharisee! them. Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you First clean the inside of the cup, so that the outside also may become clean. “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which on the outside look beautiful, but inside they are full of the bones of the dead and of all kinds of filth. So you also on the outside look righteous to others, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness. “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you build the tombs of the prophets and decorate the graves of the righteous, and you say, ‘If we had lived in the days of our ancestors, we would not have taken part with them in shedding the blood of the prophets.’ Thus you testify against yourselves that you are descendants of those who murdered the prophets. Fill up, then, the measure of your ancestors. You snakes, you brood of vipers! How can you escape being sentenced to hell? Therefore I send you prophets, sages, and scribes, some of whom you will kill and crucify, and some you will flog in your synagogues and pursue from town to town, so that upon you may come all the righteous blood shed on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah son of Barachiah, whom you murdered between the sanctuary and the altar. Truly I tell you, all this will come upon this generation. “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! See, your house is left to you, desolate. For I tell you, you will not see me again until you say, ‘Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.’” As Jesus came out of the temple and was going away, his disciples came to point out to him the buildings of the temple. Then he asked them, “You see all these, do you not? Truly I tell you, not one stone will be left here upon another; all will be thrown down.”
Matthew 23:1-24:2
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Hymn: “All Creatures of Our God and King” (click title to listen)
Psalm 148 is one of my favorite passages because it calls All creatures of our God and King, on all creation to sing praises to the Lord — in the air, on the Lift up your voice and with us sing, land, beneath the seas. The angels are commanded to sing. O praise ye! Alleluia! The sun and moon, the stars of light, fire and hail, snow and O brother sun with golden beam, clouds — all are made for God’s glory. Mountains and hills, O sister moon with silver gleam! fruitful trees and cedars; beasts and cattle; creeping things O praise ye! O praise ye! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! and flying fowl — let them praise the name of the Lord. This is the psalm that inspired Saint Francis of Assisi to com- O brother wind, air, clouds, and rain, pose his great poem “Canticle to Brother Sun” which is para- By which all creatures ye sustain, phrased into English as “All Creatures of Our God and King.” O praise ye! Alleluia! It’s among my favorite hymns, because, like the psalmist, St. Thou rising morn, in praise rejoice, Ye lights of evening, find a voice! Francis exuberantly calls on all creation to sing God’s praise. What St. Francis O praise ye! O praise ye! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! could not have realized in his medieval O sister water, flowing clear, era is that scientists Make music for thy Lord to hear, have now cata- Alleluia! Alleluia! logued approximately O brother fire who lights the night, Providing warmth, enhancing sight, 5, 400 species of singO praise ye! O praise ye! ing animals. Some Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! creatures even show the capacity of learn- Let all things their Creator bless, ing songs, improvising And worship him in humbleness, melodies, and com- O praise ye! Alleluia! Praise, praise the Father, praise the Son, posing new tunes. God created this And praise the Spirit, Three in One! universe with a ca- O praise ye! O praise ye! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! pacity for song, from — St. Francis of Assisi, c 1225 the tiny cricket to the massive Blue Whale, and all creation is designed to sing His praises. I don’t want to be left out. —from “Then Sings My Soul 3”, Roebrt J. Morgan
Anthem Meditation: “Everlasting Love” (click title to listen)
“Author of Our Days” There are moments that change us. That quickly — one moment we are one person, the next, we are a different person. There are moments in history that change this country, change our world, change us as a person. Pearl Harbor, was one such moment. Perhaps the assassination of President John Kennedy was another. My first such world changing event was the Challenger accident. We were all stunned in disbelief and as witness to that moment, it changed me. More recently were the events of September 11th when the world stopped in that moment and when the world breathed again, it had been changed. But there are other life-changing moments for us all. That moment when we say, “I do.” The
13 sound of your baby’s first crying breath — these moments also change us. We live our lives from moment to moment, from hour to hour, and day to day. How many moments have we missed or wasted or let slip away? What do we do with 24 hours? Truth be told, some days, getting out of bed is an accomplishment. We busy ourselves with work. We eat. We sleep. We love and laugh and sometimes cry. But what do we do with 24 hours? What did Christ do with 24 hours? What did he do with those final 24 hours of His life?. What Jesus did in those moments and hours has altered history and changed lives in ways we cannot begin to compre-
God has loved with everlasting love! We are the children of The One who draws us to his side. Sing your praise to the Author of our Days; God has saved us by his grace. In His love abide. Nothing separates us from the love of God In heaven nor earth below: No worries for today nor the days to come, but by our faith we know God has loved with everlasting love! We are the children of The One who draws us to his side. Sing your praise to the Author of our Days; God has saved us by his grace. In His love abide. Though heaven and earth may pass away, The sun and stars may fade, Our faith is sure in god’s embrace. Rejoice, lift us your voice and sing to the King! Celebrate redeeming grace! O Love, that will not let me go, I rest my weary soul in Thee; I give thee back the life I owe That in thine ocean depths its flow May richer fuller be. We are the children of everlasting love.
—Lloyd Larson
hend. The change continues to progress toward the completion of the Kingdom. And we are called to bear witness. We are called to share in the process of change. We are called to build the Kingdom. And we are united in purpose and direction because God took a moment to change the world. God is the Author of Our Days. We are part of the Great Story of his people. Let us build the Kingdom of God together. Let us fully live into the story that God is writing. Amen. Holy Father, Guide me on this journey. Give me the courage to take these moments that you have given and build your Kingdom. Change the world inside of me so that I can be an effective tool to change the world around me. May all things be done for your glory and for your purpose. Amen.
Hymn: “O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go” (click title to listen)
“...Let me fall into the hand of the Lord, for His mercies are very great…” 1 Chronicles 21:13 George Matheson was only a teenager when he learned that his poor eyesight was deteriorating further. Not to be denied, he continued straightway with his plans to enroll in Glasgow University, with plans to graduate at are nineteen. But he was totally blind by the time he began graduate studies for ministry. His spirit collapsed when his fiancé decided she was unwilling to marry a blind man, and broke off the engagement. George never married, and the pain of that rejection never totally left him. He consoled himself in
14 thinking that God’s love is never limited, never conditional, never withdrawn, and never uncertain. From this experience, he wrote this hymn text: “O Love That Wilt Not Let me Go.”
O Love, that wilt not let me go, I rest my weary soul in Thee; I give Thee back the life I owe, O Love that wilt not let me go, in Thine ocean depths its flow —from “Then Sings My Soul” by Robert J. Morgan That IMay rest richer, me weary soulbe. in Thee; fuller I give thee back the life I owe, O Light, thatocean followest allits myflow way, That in thine depths IMay yield my flickering richer, fuller be. torch to Thee;
My heart restores its borrowed ray, O Light that followest allblaze my way, That in Thy sunshine’s its day IMay yieldbrighter, my flickering fairer torch be. to thee;
My heart restores its borrowed ray, O Joy, seekest meblaze through pain, That in that thy sunshine’s its day IMay cannot close my heart to Thee; brighter, fairer be.
Hymn: “Great God of Every Blessing” (click title to listen)
Patches of Blessing Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. Colossians 3:14 (NRSV) Great God of every blessing, Of faithful, loving care, You are the fount of goodness, The daily bread we share. How can we hope to thank you? Our praise is but a start: Sincerely and completely I offer you my heart. Your Word is our salvation, The source of endless grace, In death and life extending Your covenant embrace. In Christ we are one body; Each member has a part: Sincerely and completely I offer you my heart.
I trace the rainbow through the rain, And promise not vain O Joyfeel thatthe sleekest me is through pain, morn shall IThat cannot close mytearless heart tobe. thee; IOtrace thethat rainbow rain, Cross, liftestthrough up mythe head, And feel the promise is not vain I dare not ask to fly from Thee; That shall tearless I lay morn in dust life’s glorybe. dead,
And from the ground there blossoms red A few weeks ago, it was my privi- O Cross that liftest up my head, Life that shall endless be. I dare not ask to fly from thee; lege to visit a friend who lives on a — George Mattheson farm in the southwestern part of our I lay in dust life’s glory dead, And from the ground there blossoms red state. When I arrived, I found that Life that shall endless be. several of the women in the community had gathered at her home for — George Mathison, 1881 an old-fashioned quilting bee. Quilting begins with a wooden quilting rack, cotton batting, and patches of cloth that each quilter brings. Each person takes a place around the big frame and works on one special area of the quilt. As each one stitches on her patch, she tells the others something about the significance of the cloth. All of the work is done by hand; and as one person tires, another takes her place until the quilt is completed. The finished quilt is a labor of love to be enjoyed not only by those present but by generations yet to come.
In a similar way, God pieces our lives together. To all of the patches of blessing the Lord works into our lives, God adds — David Gambrell, 2009 the blessing of friends. It takes a lifetime to complete this quilt. As we look back at patches of understanding, compassion, sharing, sacrifice, and mercy, they become expressions of God's love through friends who have touched our lives. —Frances Bundy (Arkansas, U.S.A.) Your Spirit is our teacher, The light that guides our search, Transforming broken people Into the holy church. For feeding us with mercy, For wisdom you impart: Sincerely and completely I offer you my heart.
Prayer: Thank you, God, for all the gifts and blessings that enrich our lives. Help us to see your hands at work. Amen.
My grandmother’s (Virginia Yeargin) Cathedral Windows Quilt
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Sunday, February 26 Guest : Skye Jathoni “Redefining Radical” Luke 15: 1-3, 11-32
Then Jesus told them this parable:" There was a man who had two sons. The younger one said to his father, 'Father, give me my share of the estate.' So he divided his property between them. "Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything. "When he came to his senses, he said, 'How many of my father's hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! 18I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men.' So he got up and went to his father. "But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. "The son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.' "But the father said to his servants, 'Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let's have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' So they began to celebrate. "Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. 'Your brother has come,' he replied, 'and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.' "The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. But he answered his father, 'Look! All these years I've been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!' " 'My son,' the father said, 'you are always with me, and everything I “Return of the Prodigal” have is yours. But we had to celebrate and1670, be Seville glad, because this Bartolome Esteban Murillo brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' "
“The Prodigal Son” Liz Lemon Swindle
“Story Behind the Art — The Prodigal Son” The Lord gave a parable of a man whose younger son took his inheritance and then wasted it foolishly. Hungry and penniless the prodigal decided that even being a servant in his father’s house was better than his current condition, and so began the long journey home. As I read this parable, I wondered why the Lord was silent about the father’s agony during his son’s absence. Maybe it is because we already know the story. What parent has not spent countless nights on their knees pleading for their children, or wondered with worry where their children were or what they were doing? And what parent has never looked to the horizon hoping to catch a glimpse of a son or daughter that isn’t there. This painting is the hope of every parent. The hope that each of us will someday find our children safely in our arms. — Liz Lemon Swindle, artist
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Hymn Meditation: “Great is Thy Faithfulness”
Great is thy faithfulness, O God my Father; There is no shadow of turning with thee; Thou changest not, thy compassions they fail not; As thou hast been, thou forever wilt be.
“Every good and every perfect gift is from above, Great is thy faithfulness! Great is thy faithfulness! and comes down from the Father of Lights, with Morning by morning new mercies I see; whom there is nor variableness, neither shadow of All I have needed thy hand hath provided; turning.” James 1:17 Great is thy faithfulness, Lord unto me! “It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not con- Summer and winter and springtime and harvest, sumed, because his compassions fail not. They Sun, moon, and stars in their courses above are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.” Join with all nature in manifold witness To thy great faithfulness, mercy, and love. Lamentations 3:22. Of the many gospel hymns written in recent Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth, times on the theme of God’s goodness and faith- Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guie; Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow, fulness, this hymn stands out like a beacon of light. Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside! This hymn was not born of some great tragedy of experience, it was simply the result of the author’s “morning by morning realization of God’s personal faithfulness.” Thomas Obadiah Chisholm was born in Franklin Kentucky, on July 29, 1866. Without the benefit of high school or advanced training, he began his career as a school teacher at the age of sixteen in the same country school house where he had received his elementary training. He went on to become an editor in the local newspaper and eventually an editor for a paper in Louisville. He also served a short while as a Methodist minister and an insurance agent. But it is as a poet that he has made his greatest contribution. Mr. Chisholm wrote more than 1200 poems, appearing in religious periodicals. In a letter dated 1941, Mr. Chisholm writes: “My income has not been large at any time due to impaired health … but I must not fail to record here the unfailing faithfulness of a covenant“Misty Mountain Morning” Waynesville, NC keeping God, who has given me Every morning His mercies are new; every morning we need new mercies. many wonderful displays of His care, for which I am filled with astonishing gratefulness.” Mr. Chisholm sent this hymn text to Rev. W. M. Runyan, a noted musician of the time. Mr. Runyan set the text to the tune FAITHFULNESS and it was first published in 1923.
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Hymn Meditation: “There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy”
“But you, O God, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.” Psalm 86:15 A wealth of truth about the depth of God’s love and mercy is expressed simply but eloquently in this choice two-line hymn text written by Frederick William Faber in the middle of the 19th century. In addition to being known as a man with unusual personal charm, persuasive preaching ability, and excellent writing skills, Faber made his most lasting contribution with the 150
“Return of the Prodigal” Bartolome Esteban Murillo 1670, Seville
There’s a wideness in God’s mercy Like the wideness of the sea; There’s a kindness in God’s justice, Which I more than liberty. There is welcome for the sinner, And more graces for the good! There is mercy with the Savior; There is healing in his blood. For the love of God is broader Than the measure of our mind; And the heart of the Eternal Is most wonderfully kind. If our love were but more simple, We should rest upon God’s word; And our lives would be illumined By the presence of our Lord.
hymn texts he composed during his brief life of 49 years. Faber was raised as a strict Calvinist, became an Anglican minister, then later became a Catholic priest. He had always realized the great influence that hymn singing had in Protestant churches. Determined to provide material for Catholics to use in the same way, he worked tirelessly in writing hymns and publishing numerous collections. In 1854, the Pope honored him with an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree in recognition of his many accomplishments. Today we are still grateful for his memorable declaration of the
boundless love and mercy of our God to all mankind. —- Kenneth Obeck, “Amazing Grace”
Anthem Meditation: “This Little Light of Mine” (click title to listen) This little light of mine I’m gonna’ let it shine. This little light of mine I’m gonna’ let it shine. This little light of mine I’m gonna’ let it shine. Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.
Another song that centers on the individual relationship with God is “This Little Light of Mine.” Popular as a Sunday school song, this is a simple commitment to living a life of service, humility, and obedience to the word of God. It is a claim that personal integrity matters. There are many biblical texts regarding light, but Matthew 5:14-16 is the special text from which this song is derived. It — Traditional Spiritual reads, “You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hidden. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under a bushel basket, but on a lamp stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” “This Little Light of Mine” is one of many examples of the slaves building upon a favorite verse and setting it to music. This made the verse easy to remember and available to share with others —- Marsha Hansen “My Soul Is a Witness” Abingdon Press, 2006
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Hymn Meditation: “We Are One in the Spirit” Jesus prayed, "May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me." -John 17:23 (NIV) “THE wooded slope was ablaze with autumn colors - fiery reds and oranges, vivid yellows and golds. Occasional splashes of green added to the chorus of color. God's masterpiece! I thought. Only God could create individual colors and blend them together to produce a landscape of breathtaking beauty like this. The Body of Christ is like that multicolored forest. God has created individuals with unique personalities and expects us to work together, portraying unity for the world to see. Some people are visionaries, while others possess the ability to fulfill plans. Some folks are bubbly and impulsive while others are quiet by nature, proceeding only after careful thought and prayer. Some people are gifted leaders, while others prefer to serve behind the scenes. Our response to people's differences can strengthen unity or destroy it. Does the world see unity when it looks at our churches? If not, what can we do to change that? Just as the hillside's colors combined to create a beautiful picture, so the Body of Christ is most glorious when we work together in unity. — Grace Fox (British Columbia, Canada)
Prayer: Dear God, help us appreciate the uniqueness others. May those around see unity when they look the Body of Christ. Amen.
to of us at
We are one in the spirit we are one in the Lord We are one in the spirit we are one in the Lord And we pray that all unity may one day be restored And they'll know we are Christians by our love , by our love Yes they'll know we are Christians by our love We will walk with each other We will walk hand in hand We will walk with each other We will walk hand in hand And together we'll spread the news that God is in our land And they'll know we are Christians by our love , by our love Yes they'll know we are Christians by our love We will work with each other we will work side by side We will work with each other we will work side by side And we'll guard human dignity and save human pride And they'll know we are Christians by our love , by our love Yes they'll know we are Christians by our love All praise to the Father from whom all things come And all praise to Christ Jesus his only Son And all praise to the spirit Who makes all things one. And they'll know we are Christians by our love , by our love Yes they'll know we are Christians by our love —Peter Scholtes, 1966
—- Upper Room Devotions, September 8, 2003
Anthem Meditation: “Praise His Holy Name” (click title to listen)
“The first will be last and the last will be first.” That is a theme that ran throughout Christ’s ministry. He came to earth to show us the better way — a way of putting others before ourselves—-a way of loving others and loving God more than loving ourselves. Philippians chapter 2 includes a beautiful hymn of praise encouraging us to imitate the life of Christ. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who being in the very nature God, did not
consider equality with God someSing till the power of the Lord come down. thing to be grasped, but made himShout Hallelujah! Praise his holy name! self nothing, taking on the very nature of a servant, being made in Amazing grace how sweet the sound That saved a wretch like me. I once was lost but now I’m found Was blind but now I see. human likeness, and being found in Jesus, Jesus, How I love Thee! Shout Hallelujah. Praise his holy name. appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient even Must Jesus bear the cross alone And all the world go free? unto death — even death on a No, there’s a cross for everyone And there’s a cross for me. cross! Therefore God exalted him to Jesus, Jesus, How I love Thee! Shout Hallelujah. Praise his holy name. the highest place and gave him the Sing till the power of the Lord come down. name that is above every name, Shout Hallelujah! Praise his holy name! that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord , to the Glory of God the Father.
“Return of the Prodigal” Rembrandt's final word is given in his monumental painting of the Return of the Prodigal Son. Here he interprets the Christian idea of mercy with an extraordinary solemnity, as though this were his spiritual testament to the world. It goes beyond the works of all other Baroque artists in the evocation of religious mood and human sympathy. The aged artist's power of realism is not diminished, but increased by psychological insight and spiritual awareness. Expressive lighting and coloring and the magic suggestiveness of his technique, together with a selective simplicity of setting, help us to feel the full impact of the event.
leaning against his father's breast and the old father bending over his son. The father's features tell of a goodness sublime and august; so do his outstretched hands, not free from the stiffness of old age. The whole represents a symbol of all homecoming, of the darkness of human existence illuminated by tenderness, of weary and sinful mankind taking refuge in the shelter of God's mercy. —- Emil Kren, Web Gallery of Art
The main group of the father and the Prodigal Son stands out in light against an enormous dark surface. Particularly vivid are the ragged garment of the son, and the old man's sleeves, which are ochre tinged with golden olive; the ochre color combined with an intense scarlet red in the father's cloak forms an unforgettable coloristic harmony. The observer is roused to a feeling of some extraordinary event. The son, ruined and repellent, with his bald head and the appearance of an outcast, returns to his father's house after long wanderings and many vicissitudes. He has wasted his heritage in foreign lands and has sunk to the condition of a swineherd. His old father, dressed in rich garments, as are the assistant figures, has hurried to meet him before the door and receives the long-lost son with the utmost fatherly love. The occurrence is devoid of any momentary violent emotion, but is raised to a solemn calm that lends to the figures some of the qualities of statues and gives the emotions of a lasting character, no longer subject to the changes of time. Unforgettable is the image of the repentant sinner
“Return of the Prodigal” Rembrandt van Rijn, c. 1669, Amsterdam
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Hymnology part 4 Hymns and Scripture (part 1) “A good hymn is the most difficult thing in the world to write…” — Alfred Lord Tennyson. In addition to the poetic constraints of rhyme, meter, and expression, a hymn must be written in clear unambiguous language. It deals with profound thoughts, but states them simply and directly. In addition to the addition, hymns must use poetic devices and simple language to express Spiritual Truths, Doctrines, and Theology. The great hymns of the church are full of Imagery and A llusion. Today’s church faces more and more spiritual illiteracy. Many of these images and allusions in hymnody are lost on this new generation. Today, we will examine some of these, and hopefully show the importance of the hymn in teaching doctrine and theology. Imagery is simply incor por ating an image or visual idea fr om scr iptur e. It is har d to find a hymn without at least a few biblical images, but here are a few lesser known images.
Lord (of) Sabaoth. From A Mighty Fortress (Luther) — “Lord Sabaoth, his name, From age to age the same, And he must win the battle.” Sabaoth is Hebrew for “hosts” or “armies” and is used to designate God’s mighty power. Because of similarities in appearance and spelling, many worshipers have mistaken “Sabaoth” for “sabbath,” missing the true significance of the term.
Jordan/Canaan From On Jordan’s Stormy Banks — “ On Jordan’s stormy banks I stand And cast a wishful eye To Canaan’s fair and happy land Where my possessions lie.” Jordan and Canaan are often used with no literal reference to the land promised to the Israelites, but used as an allegory, or symbol of passing over Jordan — the river of death, into the happy promised land of Canaan — the joys of heaven.
What are some other biblical images that you can think of found in Hymns? Are these easily apparent or are they “lost in translation” on the younger generations? Allusion is when a hymn makes specific r efer ence (or “alludes”) to Scripture. The Wesley brothers both advocated the use of Hymns as part of personal devotion times because hymns were powerful tools to teach Scripture and Doctrine. I encourage you to study a hymn with eyes and ears for Scriptural references. You will gain a great deal of insight into Hymnody, Scripture, and Theology. An example is given for the hymn “How Firm a Foundation.” How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord, Is laid for your faith in his excellent word! What more can he say than to you he hath said, To you who for refuge to Jesus have fled?
“Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription “The Lord knows those who are his,” and “everyone who confess the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.” 2 Tim. 2:19
Fear not, I am with thee, O be not dismayed, For I am your God ad will still give thee aid; I’ll strengthen and help thee, and cause thee to stand Upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand.
“So do not fear, for I am with you, do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
21 When through the deep waters I call thee to go, The rivers of woe shall not thee overflow; For I will be with thee, thy troubles to bless, And sanctify to thee thy deepest distress. When through fiery trials thy pathways shall lie, My grace, all-sufficient, shall be thy supply; The flame shall not hurt thee; I only design Thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine. The soul that on Jesus still leans for repose, I will not, I will not desert to its foes; That soul though all hell should endeavor to shake, I’ll never, no never, no never forsake.
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.” Isaiah 43:2a “When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.” Isaiah 43:2b “I will thoroughly purge away your dross and remove all your impurities.” Isaiah 1:25 “He is like a refiners fire… he will purify them like gold and silver.” Malachi 3:2-3 “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5
Another example of a hymn and scripture is William William’s “Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah.” At first glance, the hymn would predominantly be based on the children of Israel as they wander in the wilderness. However, the hymn is slam packed full of images and allusions from both the Old Testament and the New Testament. Guide me, O thou great Jehovah, (Deut. 8:14-20, Psalm 78:52) pilgrim through this barren land. (Hebrews 11:13, Exodus 17:1) I am weak, but thou art mighty; (Psalm 6:2, Isaiah 1:24, Psalm 24:8) hold me with thy powerful hand. (Psalm 139:10, Deut. 9:29) Bread of heaven, bread of heaven, (Exodus 16:4, 12, 18) feed me till I want no more; (John 6:48-51) feed me till I want no more. Open now the crystal fountain, (Exodus 20:11, Psalm 78: 15-16) whence the healing stream doth flow; (2 Cor. 10:4, Rev. 22:1-2) let the fire and cloudy pillar (Exodus 13:21) lead me all my journey through. (Deut. 8:2, Psalm 5:8) Strong deliverer, strong deliverer, (Psalm 18:2, 70:5) be thou still my strength and shield; (Psalm 28:7, 144:2) be thou still my strength and shield. When I tread the verge of Jordan, (Joshua 3:8, 17) bid my anxious fears subside; (1 Chron. 28:20, Isaiah 35:4) death of death and hell's destruction, (2 Tim. 1:10, Heb. 2:14) land me safe on Canaan's side. (Numbers 32:32) Songs of praises, songs of praises, (Psalm 27:6) I will ever give to thee; (Psalm 34:1, 146:2) I will ever give to thee.
“Still Life with Bible” — Vincent van Gogh
Liturgy — \li-tər-jē\ — n. “The work of the people” Liturgy only exists when it is enacted with the participation of all. Worship involves the active participation of all the people. Worship is not entertainment, nor is it “performed” by clergy or musicians. It is instead, our work, our words, our prayers, our songs. Our full and active participation in singing, listening, moving, praying, committing, and serving is crucial. If worship is to be truly transformative, then it asks of our utmost attention to the presence of the Spirit in our midst.
Liturgical Colors: Green
Liturgical colors help us identify the seasons of the church year. These seasons help us celebrate important days in the life of the church. The main seasons are: Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Easter, Pentecost, and Ordinary Time (or Kingdomtide). The color green is used for most of the season of Epiphany and for Kingdomtide. The color green signifies growth and learning. “But grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 3:18. “Blessed is the one who delights in the law of the Lord. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither.” Psalm 1. The colors should remind us that we are entering into God’s time. We should remember that this is a holy place and a holy time. Worship is the place where heaven and earth meet. Be nourished by the waters of the Word of God. Grow and reach toward the Light of Christ. And go and bear fruit for the building of the Kingdom of God.