Friday, November 4, 2022

419. Proper 4 (Series B)

The lessons for this service, if a Sunday after Trinity occurs during May 29-June 4, are Deuteronomy 5:12-15, 2 Corinthians 4:5-12 and Mark 2:23-28 (optional 3:1-6). The tune is ZION KLAGT by Johann Hermann Schein (1623), sometimes erroneously attributed to Johann Crüger (1640), which Ev. Luth. Hymn-Book and The Lutheran Hymnal paired with the lament/consolation hymn "Zion mourns in fear and anguish." Considering its power, it's massively underutilized, I think.

Christians, for its vessels earthen
Think not lightly of God's word,
Though those trusted with its burden
As drink-off'rings may be poured.
For through them, into our night
God is pleased to shine His light,
Manifesting might and glory
While frail voices tell the story.

Was it not from the beginning,
When the gospel spread like flame?
Were not heathens called from sinning
By men scorned, of trifling fame?
Singed but not burnt up with strife,
They led men to share Christ's life:
Sore oppressed, yet not despairing,
His death in their body bearing.

Even now God's keys are turning
In imperfect, mortal hands;
Hearts their Savior's name are learning,
Keeping faith in faithless lands.
What is not God calls to be,
Living, moving wondrously:
Though death in their frame be lurking,
Wonders through them He is working.

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