[Dailydevo] Daily Devotion Friday January 26, 2007

[bludwig at zlc-aa.org]

Daily Devotion Friday  January 26, 2007

 

After a two week hiatus, the devotions this week are prepared by Pastor
Ludwig. He looks at favorite hymn phrases.

 

"Thy Strong Word" Stanzas 1&3

(1)

Thy strong word did cleave the darkness; At thy speaking it was done.

For created light we thank thee, While thine ordered seasons run.

Al-le-lu-ia! Al-le-lu-ia! Praise to thee who light dost send!

Al-le-lu-ia! Al-le-lu-ia! Al-le-lu-ia without end!

(3)

Thy strong Word bespeaks us righteous; Bright with thine own holiness,

Glorious now, we press toward glory, And our lives our hopes confess.

Al-le-lu-ia! Al-le-lu-ia! Praise to thee who light dost send!

Al-le-lu-ia! Al-le-lu-ia! Al-le-lu-ia without end!

 

In his book, "A Generous Orthodoxy," Brian McLaren writes, "If you want a
feel for the richness of the phrase, 'Word of God,' ask the Lutherans; it's
a secret that their tradition seems to know without knowing that it knows."

 

In an age when the church ignored the Bible, Luther reminded people that
those inspired words of God pointed us toward THE WORD of God made flesh,
Jesus Christ.  Today when so many Christians seem to use the Bible as
bludgeon to beat people into a narrow interpretation of a social-theology,
this hymn reminds  us again that the creative WORD of God is Jesus who has
not come to intimidate and threaten but to bring forgiveness and life. 

 

This WORD cannot be used to include some while excluding others.  This WORD
is not bound to human tradition or social custom. This WORD "dwells among us
full of grace and truth" and brings acceptance, forgiveness and healing to
all of broken humanity.  Alleluia without end!

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