I sang this at a hymn festival a few weeks ago and haven't stopped thinking about it since. This hymn was written in Spanish and the music reflects that. But most importantly, the words remind us of the central message of our faith: Christ is living! Join me in reflecting on each of these verses over the next few days.
Christ is living! Gone with sorrow! Tears and terror be no more.
The men on the road to Emmaus discovered this in a most personal way - Jesus Himself appeared to them as they were walking.
And behold, two of them were going that very day to a village named Emmaus, which was about seven miles from Jerusalem. And they were talking with each other about all these things which had taken place. While they were talking and discussing, Jesus Himself approached and began traveling with them. But their eyes were prevented from recognizing Him. And He said to them, "What are these words that you are exchanging with one another as you are walking?" And they stood still, looking sad. Luke 24:13-17
They didn't know that it was Jesus who had joined them on their walk. Indeed, they were mourning the events of the last few days, the events that took their King to the cross and buried Him in a tomb. Jesus asks them what they're talking about, and they can't imagine that someone could have been in town and not know what was going on!
One of them, named Cleopas, answered and said to Him, "Are You the only one visiting Jerusalem and unaware of the things which have happened here in these days?" And He said to them, "What things?" And they said to Him, "The things about Jesus the Nazarene, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word in the sight of God and all the people, and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered Him to the sentence of death, and crucified Him. But we were hoping that it was He who was going to redeem Israel. Indeed, besides all this, it is the third day since these things happened." Luke 24:18-21
It is the third day since these things happened. By now, it seems these men have given up hope that Jesus the Nazarene could be the redeemer of Israel. Then the men relate the story of the women finding the tomb empty.
"But also some women among us amazed us. When they were at the tomb early in the morning, and did not find His body, they came, saying that they had also seen a vision of angels who said that He was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just exactly as the women also had said; but Him they did not see." Luke 24:22-24
They did not see Him, so they did not believe. They did not realize that the death and grave are now nothing! Christ is free of every power! He had risen from the grave, just as He told His disciples He would do.
Then He took the twelve aside and said to them, "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and all things which are written through the prophets about the Son of Man will be accomplished. For He will be handed over to the Gentiles, and will be mocked and mistreated and spit upon, and after they have scourged Him, they will kill Him; and the third day He will rise again." Luke 18:31-33
So Jesus rebukes the men on the road to Emmaus. And He explains all the things about Himself that the prophets have taught through the ages.
And He said to them, "O foolish men and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary for the Christ to suffer these things and to enter into His glory?" Then beginning with Moses and with all the prophets, He explained to them the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures.
Luke 24:25-27
Jesus wanted these men to look for the Savior who was in their midst, and no longer seek the living Savior in the haunts of death and fear. He can't be found there, because Jesus came to take away the power of death and the devil!
Therefore, since the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same, that through death He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and might free those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives. Hebrews 2:14-15
No longer are we enslaved to the fear of death! Christ is risen!
The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid; for I know that you are looking for Jesus who has been crucified. He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said. Come, see the place where He was lying. Go quickly and tell His disciples that He has risen from the dead; and behold, He is going ahead of you into Galilee, there you will see Him; behold, I have told you." Matthew 28:5-7
Let us go forth today, in the power of our risen Lord, and shout the good news so all the world will hear!
Christ is Living (Christo Vive)
Words by Nicolas Martinez, translated to English by Martin A. Seltz
Christ is living! Gone with sorrow! Tears and terror, be no more.
Death and grave, you now are nothing; Christ is free of every power.
Why then seek the living Savior in the haunts of death and fear?
Christ is risen! Shout the good news so that all the world may hear.
For if Christ is not arisen there is nothing to believe.
Truth be told, He keeps the promise: "Since I live you too shall live."
Dust we are, to dust returning, but in Christ we are restored.
Doubt dispelling, claim the triumph: Jesus is the living Lord!
Death is swallowed up in victory; sin has lost its poison sting.
Life will blossom from the grain sown,
Christ the first fruits of the spring.
For the sureness of salvation let us sing "Thanks be to God!"
Christ is risen! We are living! Spread the word of grace abroad.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Saturday, May 8, 2010
He is Able to Deliver Thee
As I continue reading through the Bible, it is such fun to rediscover stories that I learned as a child, and more fully understand the context and the situation, as well as the application. A little life experience makes a lot of difference!
One such story is of that famous trio, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. They boldly professed allegiance to the Lord only when Nebuchadnezzar commanded his people to bow to a god whom he had made.
After the king had made this idol, he invited all the leaders in the land to come to its dedication. At the ceremony, the king's herald delivered a stunning message: that anyone who did not bow to this gold image would face dire consequences.
Then the herald loudly proclaimed: "To you the command is given, O peoples, nations and men of every language, that at the moment you hear the sound of the horn, flute, lyre, trigon, psaltery, bagpipe and all kinds of music, you are to fall down and worship the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king has set up. But whoever does not fall down and worship shall immediately be cast into the midst of a furnace of blazing fire." Daniel 3:4-6
You can imagine the response. The people did as they were told - no one wanted to end up in that furnace!
Therefore at that time, when all the peoples heard the sound of the horn, flute, lyre, trigon, psaltery, bagpipe and all kinds of music, all the peoples, nations and men of every language fell down and worshiped the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up. Daniel 3:7
Well, not everyone did as they were told. Certain people came forward to the king and brought charges against the Jews of the land who worshiped the One True God.
"There are certain Jews whom you have appointed over the administration of the province of Babylon, namely Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego. These men, O king, have disregarded you; they do not serve your gods or worship the golden image which you have set up." Daniel 3:12
The king responded as we would expect - he did not like this news at all and ordered that the famous trio be brought before him immediately.
He confronted them with what he considered their disobedience:
Nebuchadnezzar responded and said to them, "Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the golden image that I have set up? Now if you are ready, at the moment you hear the sound of the horn, flute, lyre, trigon, psaltery and bagpipe and all kinds of music, to fall down and worship the image that I have made, very well But if you do not worship, you will immediately be cast into the midst of a furnace of blazing fire; and what god is there who can deliver you out of my hands?"
Daniel 3:14-15
What god is there? You can be sure that Shadrach, Meschach and Abednego had an answer to that one.
Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego replied to the king, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to give you an answer concerning this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king." Daniel 3:16-17
That's the part I remember! They had faith that their God would deliver them from the hand of the king when he asked them to sin against God by worshiping an idol. But look what they say next:
"But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up." Daniel 3:18
That trio was firm in their conviction: even if God didn't deliver them out of the fiery furnace, they would live in obedience to Him and not break His commandments.
"I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. You shall have no other gods before Me. You shall not make for yourself an idol, or any likeness of what is in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the water under the earth. You shall not worship them or serve them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, on the third and the fourth generations of those who hate Me, but showing lovingkindness to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments." Exodus 20:2-6
Well that didn't sit to well with the king. He ordered his servants to heat the furnace SEVEN TIMES hotter than usual! He commanded 'valiant warriors' to tie up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and then cast them into the furnace of blazing fire.
The furnace was so hot that the flames KILLED the men who carried the tied-up trio to the fire! The tied-up trio fell into the burning furnace, and then the king got a big surprise.
Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astounded and stood up in haste; he said to his high officials, "Was it not three men we cast bound into the midst of the fire?" They replied to the king, "Certainly, O king." He said, "Look! I see four men loosed and walking about in the midst of the fire without harm, and the appearance of the fourth is like a son of the gods!" Daniel 3:24-25
Can you imagine what the king was thinking? What is going on here?
Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the door of the furnace of blazing fire; he responded and said, "Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego, come out, you servants of the Most High God, and come here!" Then Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego came out of the midst of the fire. The satraps, the prefects, the governors and the king's high officials gathered around and saw in regard to these men that the fire had no effect on the bodies of these men nor was the hair of their head singed, nor were their trousers damaged, nor had the smell of fire even come upon them. Daniel 3:26-27
Did you read that carefully? The fire had no effect on their bodies! Their hair wasn't even singed! Their trousers were not damaged! They didn't even smell of smoke!!! Here is when the king realizes what the only reasonable response is to praise the God who saved His men!
Nebuchadnezzar responded and said, "Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego, who has sent His angel and delivered His servants who put their trust in Him, violating the king's command, and yielded up their bodies so as not to serve or worship any god except their own God." Daniel 3:28
And then he goes even further - his tune has changed. No longer is there a fatal consequence for failing to bow to Nebuchadnezzar's molten image, but now the fatal consqequence comes from speaking against the God of heaven who is able to deliver!
"Therefore I make a decree that any people, nation or tongue that speaks anything offensive against the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego shall be torn limb from limb and their houses reduced to a rubbish heap, inasmuch as there is no other god who is able to deliver in this way." Daniel 3:29
This story ends with God's deliverance of these men. And it is an amazing ending. But I am still thinking about the faith that this trio had before they were thrown in the furnace. 'Even if He does not deliver, we will be faithful.'
How does this apply to Your life? Are there situations or areas in your life where you have cried out to God for deliverance? He is able to deliver you. But even if He does not, I want to be faithful to the God who is able.
He is Able to Deliver Thee
Words by William Ogden
’Tis the grandest theme through the ages rung;
’Tis the grandest theme for a mortal tongue;
’Tis the grandest theme that the world e’er sung,
“Our God is able to deliver thee.”
Refrain
He is able to deliver thee,
He is able to deliver thee;
Though by sin oppressed, go to Him for rest;
“Our God is able to deliver thee.”
’Tis the grandest theme in the earth or main;
’Tis the grandest theme for a mortal strain;
’Tis the grandest theme, tell the world again,
“Our God is able to deliver thee.”
’Tis the grandest theme, let the tidings roll,
To the guilty heart, to the sinful soul;
Look to God in faith, He will make thee whole,
“Our God is able to deliver thee.”
One such story is of that famous trio, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. They boldly professed allegiance to the Lord only when Nebuchadnezzar commanded his people to bow to a god whom he had made.
After the king had made this idol, he invited all the leaders in the land to come to its dedication. At the ceremony, the king's herald delivered a stunning message: that anyone who did not bow to this gold image would face dire consequences.
Then the herald loudly proclaimed: "To you the command is given, O peoples, nations and men of every language, that at the moment you hear the sound of the horn, flute, lyre, trigon, psaltery, bagpipe and all kinds of music, you are to fall down and worship the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king has set up. But whoever does not fall down and worship shall immediately be cast into the midst of a furnace of blazing fire." Daniel 3:4-6
You can imagine the response. The people did as they were told - no one wanted to end up in that furnace!
Therefore at that time, when all the peoples heard the sound of the horn, flute, lyre, trigon, psaltery, bagpipe and all kinds of music, all the peoples, nations and men of every language fell down and worshiped the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up. Daniel 3:7
Well, not everyone did as they were told. Certain people came forward to the king and brought charges against the Jews of the land who worshiped the One True God.
"There are certain Jews whom you have appointed over the administration of the province of Babylon, namely Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego. These men, O king, have disregarded you; they do not serve your gods or worship the golden image which you have set up." Daniel 3:12
The king responded as we would expect - he did not like this news at all and ordered that the famous trio be brought before him immediately.
He confronted them with what he considered their disobedience:
Nebuchadnezzar responded and said to them, "Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the golden image that I have set up? Now if you are ready, at the moment you hear the sound of the horn, flute, lyre, trigon, psaltery and bagpipe and all kinds of music, to fall down and worship the image that I have made, very well But if you do not worship, you will immediately be cast into the midst of a furnace of blazing fire; and what god is there who can deliver you out of my hands?"
Daniel 3:14-15
What god is there? You can be sure that Shadrach, Meschach and Abednego had an answer to that one.
Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego replied to the king, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to give you an answer concerning this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king." Daniel 3:16-17
That's the part I remember! They had faith that their God would deliver them from the hand of the king when he asked them to sin against God by worshiping an idol. But look what they say next:
"But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up." Daniel 3:18
That trio was firm in their conviction: even if God didn't deliver them out of the fiery furnace, they would live in obedience to Him and not break His commandments.
"I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. You shall have no other gods before Me. You shall not make for yourself an idol, or any likeness of what is in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the water under the earth. You shall not worship them or serve them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, on the third and the fourth generations of those who hate Me, but showing lovingkindness to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments." Exodus 20:2-6
Well that didn't sit to well with the king. He ordered his servants to heat the furnace SEVEN TIMES hotter than usual! He commanded 'valiant warriors' to tie up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and then cast them into the furnace of blazing fire.
The furnace was so hot that the flames KILLED the men who carried the tied-up trio to the fire! The tied-up trio fell into the burning furnace, and then the king got a big surprise.
Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astounded and stood up in haste; he said to his high officials, "Was it not three men we cast bound into the midst of the fire?" They replied to the king, "Certainly, O king." He said, "Look! I see four men loosed and walking about in the midst of the fire without harm, and the appearance of the fourth is like a son of the gods!" Daniel 3:24-25
Can you imagine what the king was thinking? What is going on here?
Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the door of the furnace of blazing fire; he responded and said, "Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego, come out, you servants of the Most High God, and come here!" Then Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego came out of the midst of the fire. The satraps, the prefects, the governors and the king's high officials gathered around and saw in regard to these men that the fire had no effect on the bodies of these men nor was the hair of their head singed, nor were their trousers damaged, nor had the smell of fire even come upon them. Daniel 3:26-27
Did you read that carefully? The fire had no effect on their bodies! Their hair wasn't even singed! Their trousers were not damaged! They didn't even smell of smoke!!! Here is when the king realizes what the only reasonable response is to praise the God who saved His men!
Nebuchadnezzar responded and said, "Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego, who has sent His angel and delivered His servants who put their trust in Him, violating the king's command, and yielded up their bodies so as not to serve or worship any god except their own God." Daniel 3:28
And then he goes even further - his tune has changed. No longer is there a fatal consequence for failing to bow to Nebuchadnezzar's molten image, but now the fatal consqequence comes from speaking against the God of heaven who is able to deliver!
"Therefore I make a decree that any people, nation or tongue that speaks anything offensive against the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego shall be torn limb from limb and their houses reduced to a rubbish heap, inasmuch as there is no other god who is able to deliver in this way." Daniel 3:29
This story ends with God's deliverance of these men. And it is an amazing ending. But I am still thinking about the faith that this trio had before they were thrown in the furnace. 'Even if He does not deliver, we will be faithful.'
How does this apply to Your life? Are there situations or areas in your life where you have cried out to God for deliverance? He is able to deliver you. But even if He does not, I want to be faithful to the God who is able.
He is Able to Deliver Thee
Words by William Ogden
’Tis the grandest theme through the ages rung;
’Tis the grandest theme for a mortal tongue;
’Tis the grandest theme that the world e’er sung,
“Our God is able to deliver thee.”
Refrain
He is able to deliver thee,
He is able to deliver thee;
Though by sin oppressed, go to Him for rest;
“Our God is able to deliver thee.”
’Tis the grandest theme in the earth or main;
’Tis the grandest theme for a mortal strain;
’Tis the grandest theme, tell the world again,
“Our God is able to deliver thee.”
’Tis the grandest theme, let the tidings roll,
To the guilty heart, to the sinful soul;
Look to God in faith, He will make thee whole,
“Our God is able to deliver thee.”
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
What if His People Prayed
If My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
II Chronicles 7:14
I am breaking from "tradition" here and writing about a song that is not a hymn, but rather, a modern "popular" song by Christian artists. This song speaks to me so strongly about the need for God's people to be people of prayer - and as we celebrate and participate in the National Day of Prayer tomorrow, it is a good reminder of what is possible if God's people rise up and PRAY!
Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, admonished them to put on the full armor of God. After becoming fully "clothed" he adds one more important step:
With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints... Ephesians 6:18
Pray at all times in the Spirit. Paul tells us that the Spirit will aid us in our prayers:
In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words... Romans 8:26
I admit, there are times when I know I need to pray but I don't have the words. At those times, I pray Romans 8:26, and ask the Spirit to intercede. But even when we have the words, Paul tells us that we don't know how to pray as we should - so the Spirit intercedes! Isn't it wonderful to know that God's Holy Spirit is praying along with us, and that He is praying God's will for us? Look at this next verse:
...and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. Romans 8:27
Prayer is an absolutely essential part of being a follower of Christ. And while we often petition God for our wants and desires (which He tells us to do! - Matthew 7), He also calls us to pray for those who are in leadership over us, and those who do not know Christ, that they may be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth.
First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony given at the proper time. For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying) as a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth. Therefore I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and dissension. I Timothy 2:1-8
This song paints a very dramatic picture of what would happen if all God's people became people of prayer, dedicating themselves to seek God's will for the sins of our nation, the needs of our families, the people in leadership and those who don't know Christ. Let's each do our part in making that picture a reality - and let's follow the exhortation that Paul gave to the church at Colossae:
Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving. Colossians 4:2
What if His People Prayed
Written and Recorded by Casting Crowns
What if the armies of the Lord
Picked up and dusted off their swords
Vowed to set the captives free
And not let Satan have one more?
What if the church, for Heaven's sake
Finally stepped up to the plate
Took a stand upon God's promise
And stormed Hell's rusted gates?
What if His people prayed
And those who bear His name
Would humbly seek His face,
And turn from their own ways?
And what would happen if we prayed
For those raised up to lead the way?
Then maybe kids in school could pray
And unborn children see light of day
What if the life that we pursue
Came from a hunger for the truth?
What if the family turned to Jesus
Stopped asking Oprah what to do?
What if His people prayed
And those who bear His name
Would humbly seek His face,
And turn from their own ways?
He said that He would hear
His promise has been made
He'd answer loud and clear,
If only we would pray
If My people called by My name
If they'll humble themselves and pray
If My people called by My name
If they'll humble themselves and pray
What if His people prayed
And those who bear His name
Would humbly seek His face,
And turn from their own ways?
II Chronicles 7:14
I am breaking from "tradition" here and writing about a song that is not a hymn, but rather, a modern "popular" song by Christian artists. This song speaks to me so strongly about the need for God's people to be people of prayer - and as we celebrate and participate in the National Day of Prayer tomorrow, it is a good reminder of what is possible if God's people rise up and PRAY!
Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, admonished them to put on the full armor of God. After becoming fully "clothed" he adds one more important step:
With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints... Ephesians 6:18
Pray at all times in the Spirit. Paul tells us that the Spirit will aid us in our prayers:
In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words... Romans 8:26
I admit, there are times when I know I need to pray but I don't have the words. At those times, I pray Romans 8:26, and ask the Spirit to intercede. But even when we have the words, Paul tells us that we don't know how to pray as we should - so the Spirit intercedes! Isn't it wonderful to know that God's Holy Spirit is praying along with us, and that He is praying God's will for us? Look at this next verse:
...and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. Romans 8:27
Prayer is an absolutely essential part of being a follower of Christ. And while we often petition God for our wants and desires (which He tells us to do! - Matthew 7), He also calls us to pray for those who are in leadership over us, and those who do not know Christ, that they may be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth.
First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony given at the proper time. For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying) as a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth. Therefore I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and dissension. I Timothy 2:1-8
This song paints a very dramatic picture of what would happen if all God's people became people of prayer, dedicating themselves to seek God's will for the sins of our nation, the needs of our families, the people in leadership and those who don't know Christ. Let's each do our part in making that picture a reality - and let's follow the exhortation that Paul gave to the church at Colossae:
Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving. Colossians 4:2
What if His People Prayed
Written and Recorded by Casting Crowns
What if the armies of the Lord
Picked up and dusted off their swords
Vowed to set the captives free
And not let Satan have one more?
What if the church, for Heaven's sake
Finally stepped up to the plate
Took a stand upon God's promise
And stormed Hell's rusted gates?
What if His people prayed
And those who bear His name
Would humbly seek His face,
And turn from their own ways?
And what would happen if we prayed
For those raised up to lead the way?
Then maybe kids in school could pray
And unborn children see light of day
What if the life that we pursue
Came from a hunger for the truth?
What if the family turned to Jesus
Stopped asking Oprah what to do?
What if His people prayed
And those who bear His name
Would humbly seek His face,
And turn from their own ways?
He said that He would hear
His promise has been made
He'd answer loud and clear,
If only we would pray
If My people called by My name
If they'll humble themselves and pray
If My people called by My name
If they'll humble themselves and pray
What if His people prayed
And those who bear His name
Would humbly seek His face,
And turn from their own ways?
Friday, April 23, 2010
Here Might I Stay and Sing
My mouth is filled with Your praise and with Your glory all day long. Psalm 71:8
What a wonderful closing verse for such a thoughtful and reflective hymn. Oh, that we would spend all our days in praise of Him! May we, with the Psalmist, declare His righteousness and His praise all day long. (Psalm 35:28)
Every day I will bless You, and I will praise Your name forever and ever. Psalm 145:2
My Song is Love Unknown
My song is love unknown,
My Savior’s love to me;
Love to the loveless shown,
That they might lovely be.
O who am I, that for my sake
My Lord should take, frail flesh and die?
He came from His blest throne
Salvation to bestow;
But men made strange, and none
The longed for Christ would know:
But O! my Friend, my Friend indeed,
Who at my need His life did spend.
Sometimes they strew His way,
And His sweet praises sing;
Resounding all the day
Hosannas to their King:
Then “Crucify!” is all their breath,
And for His death they thirst and cry.
Why, what hath my Lord done?
What makes this rage and spite?
He made the lame to run,
He gave the blind their sight,
Sweet injuries! Yet they at these
Themselves displease, and ’gainst Him rise.
They rise and needs will have
My dear Lord made away;
A murderer they saved,
The Prince of life they slay,
Yet cheerful He to suffering goes,
That He His foes from thence might free.
In life, no house, no home
My Lord on earth might have;
In death no friendly tomb
But what a stranger gave.
What may I say? Heav’n was His home;
But mine the tomb wherein He lay.
Here might I stay and sing,
No story so divine;
Never was love, dear King!
Never was grief like Thine.
This is my Friend, in Whose sweet praise
I all my days could gladly spend.
What a wonderful closing verse for such a thoughtful and reflective hymn. Oh, that we would spend all our days in praise of Him! May we, with the Psalmist, declare His righteousness and His praise all day long. (Psalm 35:28)
Every day I will bless You, and I will praise Your name forever and ever. Psalm 145:2
My Song is Love Unknown
My song is love unknown,
My Savior’s love to me;
Love to the loveless shown,
That they might lovely be.
O who am I, that for my sake
My Lord should take, frail flesh and die?
He came from His blest throne
Salvation to bestow;
But men made strange, and none
The longed for Christ would know:
But O! my Friend, my Friend indeed,
Who at my need His life did spend.
Sometimes they strew His way,
And His sweet praises sing;
Resounding all the day
Hosannas to their King:
Then “Crucify!” is all their breath,
And for His death they thirst and cry.
Why, what hath my Lord done?
What makes this rage and spite?
He made the lame to run,
He gave the blind their sight,
Sweet injuries! Yet they at these
Themselves displease, and ’gainst Him rise.
They rise and needs will have
My dear Lord made away;
A murderer they saved,
The Prince of life they slay,
Yet cheerful He to suffering goes,
That He His foes from thence might free.
In life, no house, no home
My Lord on earth might have;
In death no friendly tomb
But what a stranger gave.
What may I say? Heav’n was His home;
But mine the tomb wherein He lay.
Here might I stay and sing,
No story so divine;
Never was love, dear King!
Never was grief like Thine.
This is my Friend, in Whose sweet praise
I all my days could gladly spend.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
In Life, No House, No Home
I don't think that many of us ever stop to consider what Jesus' life was like when He lived here on earth. We have the accounts in the gospels, but the day-to-day details are not what you would expect for the King of the Universe. Of course, He was born in a stable to start things off! It's not clear where He lived and He Himself even said He had nowhere to lay His head.
Jesus said to him, "The foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head."
Matthew 8:20
But Jesus wasn't concerned with material things, like we are today. In fact, He made the statement above when He was trying to explain what it would take to follow Him. Even back in that day, people were reluctant to give up what they had. So Jesus is born in a stable, had nowhere to lay His head, then hung on a cross to pay for our sins and was buried in a borrowed tomb!
After these things Joseph of Arimathea, being a disciple of Jesus, but a secret one for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus; and Pilate granted permission. So he came and took away His body. Nicodemus, who had first come to Him by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds weight. So they took the body of Jesus and bound it in linen wrappings with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews. Now in the place where He was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid. Therefore because of the Jewish day of preparation, since the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there. John 19:38-42
We know the rest of the story. Death could not hold Him and He rose again to life! Heaven was His home, and He returned there to His Father.
And after He had said these things, He was lifted up while they were looking on, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And as they were gazing intently into the sky while He was going, behold, two men in white clothing stood beside them. They also said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven." Acts 9:1-11
I love the contemplation in this hymn. As you read these verses from the prophet Isaiah, meditate on this beautiful line: "What may I say? Heav’n was His home; But mine the tomb wherein He lay."
For He grew up before Him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of parched ground; He has no stately form or majesty that we should look upon Him, nor appearance that we should be attracted to Him. He was despised and forsaken of men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and like one from whom men hide their face He was despised, and we did not esteem Him.
Surely our griefs He Himself bore, and our sorrows He carried; yet we ourselves esteemed Him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But He was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the chastening for our well-being fell upon Him, and by His scourging we are healed.
All of us like sheep have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; but the LORD has caused the iniquity of us all to fall on Him. He was oppressed and He was afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth; like a lamb that is led to slaughter, and like a sheep that is silent before its shearers, so He did not open His mouth.
By oppression and judgment He was taken away; and as for His generation, who considered that He was cut off out of the land of the living for the transgression of my people, to whom the stroke was due? His grave was assigned with wicked men, yet He was with a rich man in His death, because He had done no violence, nor was there any deceit in His mouth.
But the LORD was pleased to crush Him, putting Him to grief; if He would render Himself as a guilt offering, He will see His offspring, He will prolong His days, and the good pleasure of the LORD will prosper in His hand. Isaiah 53:2-10
My Song is Love Unknown
My song is love unknown,
My Savior’s love to me;
Love to the loveless shown,
That they might lovely be.
O who am I, that for my sake
My Lord should take, frail flesh and die?
He came from His blest throne
Salvation to bestow;
But men made strange, and none
The longed for Christ would know:
But O! my Friend, my Friend indeed,
Who at my need His life did spend.
Sometimes they strew His way,
And His sweet praises sing;
Resounding all the day
Hosannas to their King:
Then “Crucify!” is all their breath,
And for His death they thirst and cry.
Why, what hath my Lord done?What makes this rage and spite?
He made the lame to run,
He gave the blind their sight,
Sweet injuries! Yet they at these
Themselves displease, and ’gainst Him rise.
They rise and needs will haveMy dear Lord made away;
A murderer they saved,
The Prince of life they slay,
Yet cheerful He to suffering goes,
That He His foes from thence might free.
In life, no house, no home
My Lord on earth might have;
In death no friendly tomb
But what a stranger gave.
What may I say? Heav’n was His home;
But mine the tomb wherein He lay.
Jesus said to him, "The foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head."
Matthew 8:20
But Jesus wasn't concerned with material things, like we are today. In fact, He made the statement above when He was trying to explain what it would take to follow Him. Even back in that day, people were reluctant to give up what they had. So Jesus is born in a stable, had nowhere to lay His head, then hung on a cross to pay for our sins and was buried in a borrowed tomb!
After these things Joseph of Arimathea, being a disciple of Jesus, but a secret one for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus; and Pilate granted permission. So he came and took away His body. Nicodemus, who had first come to Him by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds weight. So they took the body of Jesus and bound it in linen wrappings with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews. Now in the place where He was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid. Therefore because of the Jewish day of preparation, since the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there. John 19:38-42
We know the rest of the story. Death could not hold Him and He rose again to life! Heaven was His home, and He returned there to His Father.
And after He had said these things, He was lifted up while they were looking on, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And as they were gazing intently into the sky while He was going, behold, two men in white clothing stood beside them. They also said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven." Acts 9:1-11
I love the contemplation in this hymn. As you read these verses from the prophet Isaiah, meditate on this beautiful line: "What may I say? Heav’n was His home; But mine the tomb wherein He lay."
For He grew up before Him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of parched ground; He has no stately form or majesty that we should look upon Him, nor appearance that we should be attracted to Him. He was despised and forsaken of men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and like one from whom men hide their face He was despised, and we did not esteem Him.
Surely our griefs He Himself bore, and our sorrows He carried; yet we ourselves esteemed Him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But He was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the chastening for our well-being fell upon Him, and by His scourging we are healed.
All of us like sheep have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; but the LORD has caused the iniquity of us all to fall on Him. He was oppressed and He was afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth; like a lamb that is led to slaughter, and like a sheep that is silent before its shearers, so He did not open His mouth.
By oppression and judgment He was taken away; and as for His generation, who considered that He was cut off out of the land of the living for the transgression of my people, to whom the stroke was due? His grave was assigned with wicked men, yet He was with a rich man in His death, because He had done no violence, nor was there any deceit in His mouth.
But the LORD was pleased to crush Him, putting Him to grief; if He would render Himself as a guilt offering, He will see His offspring, He will prolong His days, and the good pleasure of the LORD will prosper in His hand. Isaiah 53:2-10
My Song is Love Unknown
My song is love unknown,
My Savior’s love to me;
Love to the loveless shown,
That they might lovely be.
O who am I, that for my sake
My Lord should take, frail flesh and die?
He came from His blest throne
Salvation to bestow;
But men made strange, and none
The longed for Christ would know:
But O! my Friend, my Friend indeed,
Who at my need His life did spend.
Sometimes they strew His way,
And His sweet praises sing;
Resounding all the day
Hosannas to their King:
Then “Crucify!” is all their breath,
And for His death they thirst and cry.
Why, what hath my Lord done?What makes this rage and spite?
He made the lame to run,
He gave the blind their sight,
Sweet injuries! Yet they at these
Themselves displease, and ’gainst Him rise.
They rise and needs will haveMy dear Lord made away;
A murderer they saved,
The Prince of life they slay,
Yet cheerful He to suffering goes,
That He His foes from thence might free.
In life, no house, no home
My Lord on earth might have;
In death no friendly tomb
But what a stranger gave.
What may I say? Heav’n was His home;
But mine the tomb wherein He lay.
Friday, April 16, 2010
They Rise and Needs Will Have
I am so thankful that Jesus went cheerfully into His suffering; He obediently went to the cross to pay for my sins. Jesus knew what His death would mean for us - that we would be set free from our lives of sin. And He knew what was before Him and how He would suffer. He prayed to the Father, asking that He would be delivered, but praying according to God's will.
And He went a little beyond them, and fell on His face and prayed, saying, "My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will." Matthew 26:39
God's will was for Jesus to go to the cross to reconcile us to Himself. Jesus humbled Himself in obedience.
Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Philippians 2:8
Our freedom was bought through His death. We were Christ's foes, as this hymn says. Paul tells the church of Ephesus the same thing -
Remember that you were at that time separate from Christ, excluded from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. Ephesians 2:12
Even so, while we were His enemies, Christ went to the cross to free us from our life of sin and death.
For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. Romans 8:2
Therefore, since the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same, that through death He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and might free those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives. Hebrews 2:14-15
Lord Jesus, thank You for Your humble obedience! Thank You that even though I was your enemy, You went to the cross and paid the price for my salvation and freedom.
My Song is Love Unknown
My song is love unknown,
My Savior’s love to me;
Love to the loveless shown,
That they might lovely be.
O who am I, that for my sake
My Lord should take, frail flesh and die?
He came from His blest throne
Salvation to bestow;
But men made strange, and none
The longed for Christ would know:
But O! my Friend, my Friend indeed,
Who at my need His life did spend.
Sometimes they strew His way,
And His sweet praises sing;
Resounding all the day
Hosannas to their King:
Then “Crucify!” is all their breath,
And for His death they thirst and cry.
Why, what hath my Lord done?
What makes this rage and spite?
He made the lame to run,
He gave the blind their sight,
Sweet injuries! Yet they at these
Themselves displease, and ’gainst Him rise.
They rise and needs will have
My dear Lord made away;
A murderer they saved,
The Prince of life they slay,
Yet cheerful He to suffering goes,
That He His foes from thence might free.
And He went a little beyond them, and fell on His face and prayed, saying, "My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will." Matthew 26:39
God's will was for Jesus to go to the cross to reconcile us to Himself. Jesus humbled Himself in obedience.
Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Philippians 2:8
Our freedom was bought through His death. We were Christ's foes, as this hymn says. Paul tells the church of Ephesus the same thing -
Remember that you were at that time separate from Christ, excluded from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. Ephesians 2:12
Even so, while we were His enemies, Christ went to the cross to free us from our life of sin and death.
For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. Romans 8:2
Therefore, since the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same, that through death He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and might free those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives. Hebrews 2:14-15
Lord Jesus, thank You for Your humble obedience! Thank You that even though I was your enemy, You went to the cross and paid the price for my salvation and freedom.
My Song is Love Unknown
My song is love unknown,
My Savior’s love to me;
Love to the loveless shown,
That they might lovely be.
O who am I, that for my sake
My Lord should take, frail flesh and die?
He came from His blest throne
Salvation to bestow;
But men made strange, and none
The longed for Christ would know:
But O! my Friend, my Friend indeed,
Who at my need His life did spend.
Sometimes they strew His way,
And His sweet praises sing;
Resounding all the day
Hosannas to their King:
Then “Crucify!” is all their breath,
And for His death they thirst and cry.
Why, what hath my Lord done?
What makes this rage and spite?
He made the lame to run,
He gave the blind their sight,
Sweet injuries! Yet they at these
Themselves displease, and ’gainst Him rise.
They rise and needs will have
My dear Lord made away;
A murderer they saved,
The Prince of life they slay,
Yet cheerful He to suffering goes,
That He His foes from thence might free.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Why, What Hath My Lord Done?
What did cause these people who shouted "Hosanna" on Sunday to turn against the King? What did He do that caused them to react so? We know from the Gospel accounts what His earthly ministry was like; in a word, miraculous! The sick became well and the blind could see. The deaf were made to hear and sins were forgiven!
And large crowds came to Him, bringing with them those who were lame, crippled, blind, mute, and many others, and they laid them down at His feet; and He healed them. So the crowd marveled as they saw the mute speaking, the crippled restored, and the lame walking, and the blind seeing; and they glorified the God of Israel. Matthew 15:30-31
They glorified the God of Israel - they praised God who sent Jesus to earth when they saw His miraculous work in their midst!
It reminds me of what was prophesied in Isaiah:
On that day the deaf will hear words of a book, and out of their gloom and darkness the eyes of the blind will see. The afflicted also will increase their gladness in the LORD, and the needy of mankind will rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.
Isaiah 29:18-19
People will be healed, and they will glorify God. Maybe you haven't been healed from a physical ailment like blindness or deafness, but if you have made the decision to follow Jesus Christ and have asked for His forgiveness, you have been healed from sin!
He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed. I Peter 2:24
Let's glorify God today for His healing power in our lives. Let's be like the blind man and all the crowd in giving glory to God for His power and might.
As Jesus was approaching Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the road begging. Now hearing a crowd going by, he began to inquire what this was. They told him that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by. And he called out, saying, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!"
Those who led the way were sternly telling him to be quiet; but he kept crying out all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" And Jesus stopped and commanded that he be brought to Him; and when he came near, He questioned him, "What do you want Me to do for you?" And he said, "Lord, I want to regain my sight!"
And Jesus said to him, "Receive your sight; your faith has made you well."
Immediately he regained his sight and began following Him, glorifying God; and when all the people saw it, they gave praise to God. Luke 18:35-43
My Song is Love Unknown
My song is love unknown,
My Savior’s love to me;
Love to the loveless shown,
That they might lovely be.
O who am I, that for my sake
My Lord should take, frail flesh and die?
He came from His blest throne
Salvation to bestow;
But men made strange, and none
The longed for Christ would know:
But O! my Friend, my Friend indeed,
Who at my need His life did spend.
Sometimes they strew His way,And His sweet praises sing;
Resounding all the day
Hosannas to their King:
Then “Crucify!” is all their breath,
And for His death they thirst and cry.
Why, what hath my Lord done?
What makes this rage and spite?
He made the lame to run,
He gave the blind their sight,
Sweet injuries! Yet they at these
Themselves displease, and ’gainst Him rise.
And large crowds came to Him, bringing with them those who were lame, crippled, blind, mute, and many others, and they laid them down at His feet; and He healed them. So the crowd marveled as they saw the mute speaking, the crippled restored, and the lame walking, and the blind seeing; and they glorified the God of Israel. Matthew 15:30-31
They glorified the God of Israel - they praised God who sent Jesus to earth when they saw His miraculous work in their midst!
It reminds me of what was prophesied in Isaiah:
On that day the deaf will hear words of a book, and out of their gloom and darkness the eyes of the blind will see. The afflicted also will increase their gladness in the LORD, and the needy of mankind will rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.
Isaiah 29:18-19
People will be healed, and they will glorify God. Maybe you haven't been healed from a physical ailment like blindness or deafness, but if you have made the decision to follow Jesus Christ and have asked for His forgiveness, you have been healed from sin!
He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed. I Peter 2:24
Let's glorify God today for His healing power in our lives. Let's be like the blind man and all the crowd in giving glory to God for His power and might.
As Jesus was approaching Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the road begging. Now hearing a crowd going by, he began to inquire what this was. They told him that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by. And he called out, saying, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!"
Those who led the way were sternly telling him to be quiet; but he kept crying out all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" And Jesus stopped and commanded that he be brought to Him; and when he came near, He questioned him, "What do you want Me to do for you?" And he said, "Lord, I want to regain my sight!"
And Jesus said to him, "Receive your sight; your faith has made you well."
Immediately he regained his sight and began following Him, glorifying God; and when all the people saw it, they gave praise to God. Luke 18:35-43
My Song is Love Unknown
My song is love unknown,
My Savior’s love to me;
Love to the loveless shown,
That they might lovely be.
O who am I, that for my sake
My Lord should take, frail flesh and die?
He came from His blest throne
Salvation to bestow;
But men made strange, and none
The longed for Christ would know:
But O! my Friend, my Friend indeed,
Who at my need His life did spend.
Sometimes they strew His way,And His sweet praises sing;
Resounding all the day
Hosannas to their King:
Then “Crucify!” is all their breath,
And for His death they thirst and cry.
Why, what hath my Lord done?
What makes this rage and spite?
He made the lame to run,
He gave the blind their sight,
Sweet injuries! Yet they at these
Themselves displease, and ’gainst Him rise.
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