August 07, 2023

"Eternal Father, Strong to Save" | Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost

15 minutes

ZACHARY'S NOTES

Stanza 1 // Across four stanzas, we see the Trinity at work to calm the sea. God, the Father “bound the restless wave” and set limits for the “mighty ocean.” Sometimes, a miracle like Christ’s walking on water seems like something only Jesus can accomplish. This stanza reminds us our “eternal Father” [or “Almighty Father”] has power to command the sea.

Stanza 2 // This stanza mixes this weekend’s Gospel reading with the account of Christ’s sleeping amidst and calming the storm. Our prayer to Christ: “O hear us when we cry to thee…” is not unlike Peter’s call to Jesus. We cry out to our Lord because we trust His “almighty Word” is able to still the “wind and waves” in our life.

Stanza 3 // The Holy Spirit’s entry into this hymn is also a reference to creation: “...And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.” The peace the Spirit brings us today is peace in the midst of “chaos” and “wild confusion.” This peace is always in Christ’s Word: “Do not be afraid.”

Stanza 4 // The result of this prayer is not simply a calming of the sea, but trust in the God who protects us in all times of trial: “rock and tempest, fire and foe.” Though some of these sound like [and are] references to the difficulties of the disciples, we don’t have to live long to know these challenges. We can be stuck between a rock and a hard place, thrown into the tempest or fire of challenging family relationships, and deal with the doubt the devil brings. Yet, in these dangerous hours, we place our trust in God, our protection and hope. Because we have God’s protection, we are freed to sing “hymns of praise” whether on “land or sea.”

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