Thursday’s Verse:
From 1 Peter 2:9 ESV
“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.”
I love the hymnody of the church. This weekend, we’ll sing hymns of the Reformation. Of course, “A Mighty Fortress” is high on our list, as is “Salvation Unto Us Has Come.” Basically, any hymn in the Lutheran Service Book reminds us of God’s important promise to save His people from eternal damnation, and in Jesus, His Son, He fulfills this promise. They could all be considered “Reformation” hymns in one way or another.
“Thy Strong Word” is one of those hymns that sings to our souls and raises praise to our Triune God. Its uplifting tune brings smiles to our faces. In fact, about a month ago we sang it in church. The song tells the story of the light of God, Jesus Christ, coming from heaven to our darkened earth to redeem us all.
“Thy strong Word bespeaks us righteous” is one of the most powerful lines in the hymn. Writer Martin Franzman shows us the heart of the Gospel in these six words, where God declares us righteous not because we are working hard to earn it, but because Jesus does it for us. Our Lord’s Word not only encourages us but also shows that Jesus wins our righteousness on the cross.
There are some days when our sinfulness or worries will overwhelm our hearts. This isn’t the final word. Franzmann brings us the hope of the forgiveness of sin in his hymn. It is a Reformation of a hymn that we have.
Our confidence rests in our God’s hold on us for all eternity.
Today’s Prayers
Heavenly Father, I ask that You speak Your forgiving Word to me and all believers. “Give us lips to sing Thy glory. Tongues Thy mercy to proclaim. Throats that shout the hope that fills us. Mouths to speak Thy holy name.” Amen.
Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Luther’s Morning Prayer:
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.
Photo by Chr Appelsved on Unsplash