LSB 423: Jesus, Refuge of the Weary

This Lenten hymn is full of beautiful imagery that teaches us of Christ and His work for us. He is the living water given by God Himself to provide life and rest for us sinners. Though our sin has offended Him, yet God has willingly taken our pain upon Himself on the cross. When we consider Christ crucified, the Lord brings us to repentance over our sins, knowing that the grace He shows here grants us eternal peace. In this faith, the Lord sustains us until the end when we are with Him in glory forever.

Rev. Chris Hull, pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church and Student Center in Macomb, IL, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Lutheran Service Book #423, “Jesus, Refuge of the Weary.” Find this hymn at hymnary.org/hymn/LSB2006/423.

Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen.

Sharper Iron is underwritten by Lutheran Church Extension Fund, where your investments help support the work of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Visit lcef.org.

Lutheran Service Book 423

1 Jesus, refuge of the weary,

Blest Redeemer, whom we love,

Fountain in life's desert dreary,

Savior from the world above:

Often have Your eyes, offended,

Gazed upon the sinner's fall;

Yet upon the cross extended,

You have borne the pain of all.

2 Do we pass that cross unheeding,

Breathing no repentant vow,

Though we see You wounded, bleeding,

See Your thorn-encircled brow?

Yet Your sinless death has brought us

Life eternal, peace, and rest;

Only what Your grace hath taught us

Calms the sinner's deep distress.

3 Jesus, may our hearts be burning

With more fervent love for You;

May our eyes be ever turning

To behold Your cross anew

Till in glory, parted never

From the blessed Savior's side,

Graven in our hearts forever,

Dwell the cross, the Crucified.

Text Information

First Line: Jesus, refuge of the weary

Title: Jesus, Refuge of the Weary

Author: Girolamo Savonarola, 1452-98

Translator: Jane F. Wilde, 1826-96 (alt. )

Meter: 87 87 D

Language: English

Publication Date: 2006

Scripture: Matthew 15:29-30; Isaiah 53:4-11

Topic: Redeemer

Tune Information

Name: O DU LIEBE MEINER LIEBE

Meter: 87 87 D

Key: G Major

Source: Erbaulicher Musicalischer Christen-Schatz, Basel, 1745; The Lutheran Hymnal, 1941 (Setting)

Find this hymn at hymnary.org/hymn/LSB2006/423.