Sing to the Lord

ZACHARY'S NOTES: 

Stanza 1 // In this brief stanza, we are given purpose for singing - to “offer praise full of love” specifically to the “paschal victim” - that is, the victim of our Easter celebration, who laid his life down for our sake. The celebration of Easter is the two-fold nature of what it means to have a Good Shepherd - one who lays his life down and takes it up again.

Stanza 2 // Singing this stanza alongside hearing Christ as “Good Shepherd” gives us a new angle from which to view this parable. With a temptation to figure out where we are present in our Lord’s teaching, this hymn tells us the “Shepherd” is also the “Lamb” who “has bled for the sheep!” The “sinless One” lays his life down and takes it up again, that sinners might live with him and no longer fear death.

Stanza 3 // The “strife” which we celebrate is a contention between death and life - between all we turn to for protection - our health, our wealth, our employment, our family, our fame - and what Christ comes to give. He comes that “God and sinners [would be] reconciled” - that we would no longer fear God, but know and be known by the “Good Shepherd” who endures strife for our sake.

Stanza 4 // The final stanza repeats the final words of the second stanza, as if to underscore the message of this parable - the “Good Shepherd” is the one who lays down his life for the sheep. He does not run from the attacks of the world, nor is he “hired” to fulfill a task or attempt to protect those who are His own. Christ has given Himself for sinners, that all people might listen to His voice and be known by God. 

OTHER SUGGESTIONS

ELW 369 - Christ the Lord Is Risen Today; Alleluia! - LLANFAIR

ELW 502 - The King of Love My Shepherd Is - ST. COLUMBA

ELW 544 - Praise the Lord, Rise Up Rejoicing - ALLES IST AN GOTTES SEGEN

ELW 657 - Rise, O Sun of Righteousness - SONNE DER GERECKTIGKEIT

ELW 778 - The Lord’s My Shepherd - BROTHER JAMES’ AIR

ELW 780 - Shepherd Me, O God - SHEPHERD ME

ELW 782 - My Shepherd, You Supply My Need - RESIGNATION

ELW 789 - Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us - BRADBURY

ELW 883 - All People That on Earth Do Dwell - OLD HUNDREDTH

LBW 128 - Christ the Lord Is Risen Today; Alleluia! - LLANFAIR

LBW 196 - Praise the Lord, Rise Up Rejoicing - ALLES IST AN GOTTES SEGEN

LBW 245 - All People That on Earth Do Dwell - OLD HUNDREDTH

LBW 451 - The Lord’s My Shepherd - BROTHER JAMES’ AIR

LBW 456 - The King of Love My Shepherd Is - ST. COLUMBA

LBW 481 - Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us - BRADBURY

LSB 463 - Christ the Lord Is Risen Today; Alleluia! - LLANFAIR

LSB 709 - The King of Love My Shepherd Is - ST. COLUMBA

LSB 710 - The Lord’s My Shepherd - BELMONT

LSB 711 - Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us - BRADBURY

LSB 791 - All People That on Earth Do Dwell - OLD HUNDREDTH

RH 17 - All People That on Earth Do Dwell - OLD HUNDREDTH

RH 198 - The King of Love My Shepherd Is - ST. COLUMBA

RH 205 - Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us - BRADBURY

RH 209 - The Lord’s My Shepherd - BROTHER JAMES’ AIR

ZACHARY'S NOTES: 

Stanza 1 // The good news of Easter is not only that Christ rose from the dead, but that God’s people are brought forth “joy from sadness” - just as He promised throughout all of Scripture. It is the “faithful” who raise the “strain of triumphant gladness” this Easter day - those “full of faith” that God has worked throughout history, and is at work today in the good news of Jesus Christ.

Stanza 2 // All that troubles our soul - whether the reality of death, sin, or other darkness in this life - flies away because of Christ our Light, to whom we offer “laud and praise.”

Stanza 3 // The “Queen of Seasons” is the season of Easter - 50 Days of celebration at the good news of our Lord’s resurrection. This hymn stanza gives purpose to our celebration. We rejoice in this way not only to rehearse the good news of Jesus Christ once a week, but because Christ comes to us now to “render” - that is, give, make, provide - joy. This is the “royal feast of [all] feasts” that has no end!

Stanza 4 // The One whom death could not hold appears to His disciples and to those gathered in worship to bring “peace, which…passes human knowing.” Though we crucified our Lord, laid Him in a tomb, set soldiers at the gate, nothing will keep Christ from giving His promise of life.

Stanza 5 // A word of praise almost interrupts the thoughts of this Trinitarian stanza. When we see God at work throughout Scripture that we might be forgiven, our praise cannot be contained.

OTHER SUGGESTIONS

ELW 363 - Come, You, Faithful, Raise the Strain - GAUDEAMUS PARITER

ELW 381 - Peace, to Soothe Our Bitter Woes - FRED TIL BOD

ELW 382 - Christ Is Risen! Alleluia! - MORGENLIED

ELW 384 - That Easter Day with Joy Was Bright - PUER NOBI

LBW 132 - Come, You, Faithful, Raise the Strain - GAUDEAMUS PARITER

LBW 154 - That Easter Day with Joy Was Bright - ERSCHIENEN IST DER HERRLICH TAG

LBW 338 - Peace, to Soothe Our Bitter Woes - FRED TIL BOD

LSB 487 - Come, You, Faithful, Raise the Strain - GAUDEAMUS PARITER

RH 155 - Come, You, Faithful, Raise the Strain - GAUDEAMUS PARITER

ZACHARY'S NOTES: 

Stanza 1 // The peace of God is a peace given by the Risen Christ to his frightened followers. In him, we have the peace of God and the good news our Lord brings during the Easter season. This is particularly in contrast with the peace the world gives - and Christ points out - He does not give as the world gives! Sometimes, this comes from stereotypical ideas of peace, or political promises we know will be broken. Sometimes, it is dressed up in Christian platitudes. When the Risen Christ bestows or gives the peace of God, we have joy.

Stanza 2 // Though this could be seen as a greeting and farewell commonly spoken in Christian circles, it is helpful to recognize our Lord’s promise in the simple sentence he offers this weekend: “Peace be with you.” This peace goes with us! Christ’s peace that welcomes us as God’s children into this world, goes with us through life, and carries us beyond death.

OTHER SUGGESTIONS

ELW 381 - Peace, to Soothe Our Bitter Woes - FRED TIL BOD

ELW 363 - Come, You, Faithful, Raise the Strain - GAUDEAMUS PARITER

ELW 375 - Alleluia! Christ Is Arisen - SANTO DOMINGO

ELW 384 - That Easter Day with Joy Was Bright - PUER NOBIS

ELW 386 - O Sons and Daughters, Let Us Sing - O FILII ET FILIAE

ELW 390 - The Risen Christ - WOODLANDS

ELW 470 - Draw Us in the Spirit’s Tether - UNION SEMINARY

LBW 132 - Come, You, Faithful, Raise the Strain - GAUDEAMUS PARITER

LBW 139 - O Sons and Daughters of the King - O FILII ET FILIAE

LBW 154 - That Easter Day with Joy Was Bright - ERSCHIENEN IST DER HERRLICH TAG

LBW 338 - Peace, to Soothe Our Bitter Woes - FRED TIL BOD

LSB 470/471 - O Sons and Daughters, Let Us Sing - GELOBT SEI GOTT // O FILII ET FILIAE

LSB 472 - These Things Did Thomas Count as Real - REALITER

LSB 487 - Come, You, Faithful, Raise the Strain - GAUDEAMUS PARITER

RH 151 - Christ the Lord Is Risen Today - ORIENTUS PARTIBUS

RH 155 - Come, You, Faithful, Raise the Strain - GAUDEAMUS PARITER

ZACHARY'S NOTES:  

Stanza 1 // The Risen Lord is celebrated not only because He rose from the dead - though this is a miracle! - but because He is the same who “suffered to redeem our loss.” This makes Easter “our triumphant, holy day” and the reason Christians gather to celebrate each Sunday.

Stanza 2 // The reason for our singing and exuberant praise is for and because of Christ, who “endured the cross and grave” that sinners might be “redeemed and saved.”

Stanza 3 // The pain Christ endured - our sin, nailed to the cross - obtained for us salvation. Our sin no longer belongs to us, but was taken on by the victorious King, whom angels and saints delight to worship. We join with the saints and angels in a melismatic, repeated text: “Alleluia!” This is an added dimension of praise, where words cannot adequately express joy.

Stanza 4 // The Church sings hymns of praise to God “eternally” because we know his “eternal” love in Christ. This does not mean hymn marathons have to take place - though some congregations do things like this! Here, the Church is all those who know the good news of Jesus’ resurrection - in heaven and earth - and worship Father, Son, and Holy Ghost on Easter morning, every Sunday, and all eternity.

OTHER SUGGESTIONS

ELW 365 -  Jesus Christ Is Risen Today - EASTER HYMN

ELW 361 - The Day of Resurrection! - ELLACOMBE

ELW 362 - At the Lamb’s High Feast We Sing - SONNE DER GERECHTIGKEIT

ELW 365 - Jesus Christ Is Risen Today - EASTER HYMN

ELW 366 - The Strife Is O’er, the Battle Done - VICTORY

ELW 367 - Now All the Vault of Heaven Resounds - LASST UNS ERFREUEN

ELW 370 - Christ Jesus Lay in Death’s Strong Bands - CHRIST LAG IN TODESBANDEN

ELW 371 - Christians, to the Paschal Victim - VICTIMAE PASCHALI

ELW 372 - Christ Is Arisen - CHRIST IST ERSTANDEN

ELW 376 - Thine Is the Glory - JUDAS MACCABAEUS

ELW 378 - Awake, My Heart, with Gladness - AUF, AUF, MEIN HERZ

ELW 382 - Christ Is Risen! Alleluia! - MORGENLIED

ELW 385 - Good Christian Friends, Rejoice and Sing! - GELOBT SEI GOTT

ELW 391 - This Joyful Eastertide - VRUECHTEN

ELW 619 - I Know That My Redeemer Lives - DUKE STREET

LBW 128 - Christ the Lord Is Risen Today; Alleluia! - LLANFAIR

LBW 129 - Awake, My Heart, with Gladness - AUF, AUF, MEIN HERZ

LBW 131 - Christ Is Risen! Alleluia! - MORGENLIED

LBW 134 - Christ Jesus Lay in Death’s Strong Bands - CHRIST LAG IN TODESBANDEN

LBW 135 - The Strife Is O’er, the Battle Done - VICTORY

LBW 136 - Christ Is Arisen - CHRIST IST ERSTANDEN

LBW 137 - Christians, to the Paschal Victim - VICTIMAE PASCHALI

LBW 138 - He Is Arisen! Glorious Word! - WIE SCHÖN LEUCHTET

LBW 143 - Now All the Vault of Heaven Resounds - LASST UNS ERFREUEN

LBW 144 - Good Christian Friends, Rejoice and Sing! - GELOBT SEI GOTT

LBW 145 - Thine Is the Glory - JUDAS MACCABAEUS

LBW 149 - This Joyful Eastertide - VRUECHTEN

LBW 151 - Jesus Christ Is Risen Today - EASTER HYMN

LBW 352 - I Know That My Redeemer Lives - DUKE STREET

LSB 457 - Jesus Christ Is Risen Today - EASTER HYMN

LSB 458 - Christ Jesus Lay in Death’s Strong Bands - CHRIST LAG IN TODESBANDEN

LSB 459 - Christ Is Arisen - CHRIST IST ERSTANDEN

LSB 460 - Christians, to the Paschal Victim - VICTIMAE PASCHALI

LSB 461 - I Know That My Redeemer Lives - DUKE STREET

LSB 462 - All the Earth with Joy is Sounding - MICHAEL

LSB 463 - Christ the Lord Is Risen Today; Alleluia! - LLANFAIR

LSB 464 - The Strife Is O’er, the Battle Done - VICTORY

LSB 465 - Now All the Vault of Heaven Resounds - LASST UNS ERFREUEN

LSB 467 - Awake, My Heart, with Gladness - AUF, AUF, MEIN HERZ

LSB 475 - Good Christian Friends, Rejoice and Sing! - GELOBT SEI GOTT

LSB 477 - Alleluia, Alleluia! Hearts to Heaven - HYMN TO JOY

ZACHARY'S NOTES:  

Stanza 1 // Christ was crucified not only by enemies or “foes” but by His own! This echoes the first chapter of St. John’s Gospel - the Word was not received by His own people. It is this lack of offense [save for our sin] which demands the poet begin this chorale not with a text of praise or prayer, but of wonder.

Stanza 2 // It is easy to listen to the Passion account and push everything to the past - the guilty must have been Judas, Pilate, or the crowd. But Christ comes to save us from sin, and does so by taking the sin of the world to the cross.

Stanza 3 // Christ is the “Good Shepherd” who lays down his life for His sheep. While we [as helpless sheep] could do nothing, God interceded for our atonement.

Stanza 4 // This stanza places the death of Christ in the context of His life and our own. Jesus’ incarnation, sorrow, offering of his life, death, and passion are all for “our salvation.” This same “offering” we give today - bread and wine - are sometimes called the Church’s sacrifice. In this, God gives the same - new life and salvation.

Stanza 5 // God’s constant love - “unswerving” the hymn says - is our joy and adoration, even as we remember our Lord’s death. At the cross, we stand empty - unable to offer anything to Christ - yet Christ gives everything He has to us.

OTHER SUGGESTIONS

ELW 349 -  Ah, Holy Jesus - HERZLIEBSTER JESU

ELW 342 - There in God’s Garden - SHADES MOUNTAIN

ELW 345 - Jesus, I Will Ponder Now - JESU KREUZ, LEIDEN UND PEIN

ELW 349 - Ah, Holy Jesus - HERZLIEBSTER JESU

ELW 351/352 - O Sacred Head, Now Wounded - HERZLICH TUT MICH VERLANGEN

ELW 355/356 - Sing, My Tongue, the Glorious Battle - PANGE LINGUA // FORTUNATUS NEW

ELW 750 - Lord, Thee I Love with All My Heart - HERZLICH LIEB

ELW 811 - On My Heart Imprint Your Image - DER AM KREUZ

LBW 93 - Jesus, Refuge of the Weary - O DU LIEBE MEINER LIEBE

LBW 102 - On My Heart Imprint Your Image - DER AM KREUZ

LBW 112/113 - Jesus, in Thy Dying Woes - ACK VAD ÄR DOCH LIVET HÄR

LBW 114 - There Is a Green Hill Far Away - WINDSOR

LBW 116/117 - O Sacred Head, Now Wounded - HERZLICH TUT MICH VERLANGEN

LBW 118 - Sing, My Tongue - FORTUNATUS NEW

LBW 123 - Ah, Holy Jesus - HERZLIEBSTER JESU

LBW 124/125 - The Royal Banners Forward Go - HERR JESU CHRIST, WAHR MENSCH UND GOTT // VEXILLA REGIS

LBW 325 - Lord, Thee I Love with All My Heart - HERZLICH LIEB

LSB 423 - Jesus, Refuge of the Weary - O DU LIEBE MENIER LIEBE

LSB 439 - O Dearest Jesus, What Law Hast Thou Broken - HERZLIEBSTER JESU

LSB 422 - On My Heart Imprint Your Image - DER AM KREUZ

LSB 447 - Jesus in Your Dying Woes - SEPTEM VERBA

LSB 448 - O Darkest Woe - O TRAURIGKEIT

LSB 449/450 - O Sacred Head, Now Wounded - HERZLICH TUT MICH VERLANGEN

LSB 451 - Stricken, Smitten, and Afflicted - O MEIN JESU, ICH MUSS STERBEN

LSB 453 - Upon the Cross Extended - O WELT, ICH MUSS DICH LASSEN

LSB 454 - Sing, My Tongue, the Glorious Battle - FORTUNATUS NEW

LSB 455 - The Royal Banners Forward Go - VEXILLA REGIS NOVA

LSB 708 - Lord, Thee I Love with All My Heart - HERZLICH LIEB

RH 52 - On My Heart Imprint Your Image - DER AM KREUZ

RH 133 - Ah, Holy Jesus - HERZLIEBSTER JESU

RH 149 - O Sacred Head, Now Wounded - HERZLICH TUT MICH VERLANGEN

ZACHARY'S NOTES:  

Stanza 1 // Martin Luther rewrote this first stanza and added two more. God’s mercy is given to those who - weak in soul and in need of forgiveness - bow before God in thanksgiving and faith. The body and blood Christ gives to His people is the same “born of Mary” who “carried our sins and sorrows” and “pleads for us” in all “trial, fear, and need.” The cry for mercy is one offered in faith that God will do these things for us, even as he comes to us now in body and blood.

Stanza 2 // This seems like a stanza eager to jump to Good Friday, but we sing of Christ’s death because of the blessing it is to those who receive the Sacrament in faith! We are bound to Christ and one another in our Lord’s love, and it is His death we proclaim in the Sacrament - given “for you for the forgiveness of sin.” We know God’s love in his body and blood given for us. In this forgiveness, our debt is paid, and God promises peace.

Stanza 3 // This is a prayer for the Church today, that we would live in “love and union” around the “blest communion” given by God. We also pray for the Spirit’s presence, that we might be “remade” [or perhaps reformed] into our Lord’s Church, by which we are given faith, peace, and unity in Christ’s death and resurrection.

OTHER SUGGESTIONS

ELW 499 - O Lord, We Praise You - GOTT SEI GELOBET UND GEBENEDEIET

ELW 347 - Go to Dark Gethsemane - GETHSEMANE

ELW 358 - Great God, Your Love Has Called Us - RYBURN

ELW 462 - Now We Join in Celebration - SCHMÜCKE DICH

ELW 468 - Around You, O Lord Jesus - O JESU, ÄN DE DINA

ELW 480 - O Bread of Life from Heaven - O WELT, ICH MUSS DICH LASSEN

ELW 488 - Soul, Adorn Yourself with Gladness - SCHMÜCKE DICH

ELW 494 - For the Bread Which You Have Broken - OMNI DIE

ELW 499 - O Lord, We Praise You - GOTT SEI GELOBET UND GEBENDEIET

LBW 122 - Love Consecrates the Humblest Act - TWENTY-FOURTH

LBW 127 - It Happened on That Fateful Night - BOURBON

LBW 199 - Thee We Adore, O Hidden Savior - ADORO TE DEVOTE

LBW 200 - For the Bread Which You Have Broken - OMNI DIE

LBW 203 - Now We Join in Celebration - SCHMÜCKE DICH

LBW 208 - Lord Jesus Christ, You Have Prepared - DU LEBENSBROT, HERR JESU CHRIST

LBW 215 - O Lord, We Praise You - GOTT SEI GELOBET UND GEBENDEIET

LBW 222 - O Bread of Life from Heaven - O WELT, ICH MUSS DICH LASSEN

LBW 224 - Soul, Adorn Yourself with Gladness - SCHMÜCKE DICH

LBW 226 - Draw Near and Take the Body of the Lord - COENA DOMINI

LSB 617 - O Lord, We Praise You - GOTT SEI GELOBET UND GEBENDEIET

LSB 618 - I Come, O Savior, to Thy Table - ICH STERBE TÄGLICH

LSB 619 - Thy Body, Given for Me, O Savior - ICH STERBE TÄGLICH

LSB 620 - Jesus Comes Today with Healing - ALLES IST AN GOTTES SEGEN

LBW 622 - Lord Jesus Christ, You Have Prepared - DU LEBENSBROT, HERR JESU CHRIST

LBW 623 - Lord Jesus Christ, We Humbly Pray - HERR JESU CHRIST, DICH ZU UNS WEND

LSB 627 - Jesus Christ, Our Blessed Savior - JESUS CHRISTUS, UNSER HEILAND

LSB 628 - Your Table I Approach - ST. MICHAEL

LSB 630 - Now, My Tongue, the Mystery Telling - GRAFTON

LSB 636 - Soul, Adorn Yourself with Gladness - SCHMÜCKE DICH

LSB 637 - Draw Near and Take the Body of the Lord - OLD 124TH

LSB 640 - Thee We Adore, O Hidden Savior - ADORO TE DEVOTE

RH 86 - O Lord, We Praise You - GOTT SEI GELOBET UND GEBENDEIET

ACS 963 - Jesus Christ, Our Blessed Savior - JESUS CHRISTUS, UNSER HEILAND

ZACHARY'S NOTES: 

Stanza 1 // This is the picture we most often paint in our mind on Palm Sunday - Sunday of the Passion. Christ rides into Jerusalem surrounded by cries of “hosanna” complete with palm branches and scattered garments - a greeting fit for the King! One word cuts across this imagery in this stanza - the “Savior” is “meek” - submissive, easily imposed upon. His arrival - while heralded by all others - is in direct contrast to what we create [and re-create] at the start of Holy Week. 

Stanza 2 // This stanza will not let us run from the reality of this day and the reason our Lord enters the city in triumph. He comes to “die” and reign in “triumph o’er captive death and conquered sin.” Jesus’ arrival with palm branches is described as “lowly pomp.” It is secondary to his purpose - to “take captivity captive” - and triumph over death.

Stanza 3 // The adoration of the angels is mentioned here, but not for the reasons we might expect. They watch “with sad and wondering eye” to see the Son of God give His life for the sake of the world.

Stanza 4 // The pain Christ meekly assumes this week is “mortal pain” - not only because he endures the pain of the cross as man, but because he bears our sin and is crucified by our hands. The power he brings is one to reign over all things - death and sin. This is his majesty - that through death our death would be conquered.

OTHER SUGGESTIONS

ELW 346 -  Ride On, Ride On in Majesty! - THE KING’S MAJESTY

ELW 340 - A Lamb Goes Uncomplaining Forth - AN WASSERFLÜSSEN BABYLON

ELW 342 - There in God’s Garden - SHADES MOUNTAIN

ELW 343 - My Song Is Love Unknown - LOVE UNKNOWN

ELW 344 - All Glory, Laud, and Honor - VALET WILL ICH DIR GEBEN

ELW 345 - Jesus, I Will Ponder Now - JESU KREUZ, LEIDEN UND PEIN

ELW 346 - Ride On, Ride On in Majesty! - THE KING’S MAJESTY

ELW 347 - Go to Dark Gethsemane - GETHSEMANE

ELW 416 - At the Name of Jesus - KING’S WESTON

LBW 94 - My Song Is Love Unknown - LOVE UNKNOWN

LBW 105 - A Lamb Goes Uncomplaining Forth - AN WASSERFLÜSSEN BABYLON

LBW 108 - All Glory, Laud, and Honor - VALET WILL ICH DIR GEBEN

LBW 109 - Go to Dark Gethsemane - GETHSEMANE

LBW 115 - Jesus, I Will Ponder Now - JESU KREUZ, LEIDEN UND PEIN

LBW 121 - Ride On, Ride On in Majesty! - THE KING’S MAJESTY

LSB 430 - My Song Is Love Unknown - LOVE UNKNOWN

LSB 436 - Go to Dark Gethsemane - GETHSEMANE

LSB 438 - A Lamb Goes Uncomplaining Forth - AN WASSERFLÜSSEN BABYLON

LSB 440 - Jesus, I Will Ponder Now - JESU KREUZ, LEIDEN UND PEIN

LSB 441  - Ride On, Ride On in Majesty! - WINCHESTER NEW

LSB 442  - All Glory, Laud, and Honor - VALET WILL ICH DIR GEBEN

LSB 443  - Hosanna, Loud Hosanna - ELLACOMBE

LSB 444  - No Tramp of Soldiers’ Marching Feet - KINGSFOLD

RH 127 - At the Name of Jesus - KING’S WESTON

RH 135 - A Lamb Goes Uncomplaining Forth - AN WASSERFLÜSSEN BABYLON

RH 145 - Go to Dark Gethsemane - GETHSEMANE

RH 146 - All Glory, Laud, and Honor - VALET WILL ICH DIR GEBEN

ZACHARY'S NOTES: 

Stanza 1 // The imagery present in John 12:24 is given poetic voice in this stanza. Through the mystery of death and life - things discarded by the world but given new life by God - we have “faith in our deepest darkness, and life in our night and death.”

Stanza 2 // The faith of which Jesus speaks and this hymn helps us sing is not only a picture, but a specific promise. Our death comes in the waters of baptism, where we are baptized into the glory of which Christ speaks in this weekend’s Gospel text. The result is not only a promise of praise and eternal life, but “heaven’s praise [begun] here” where Christ is “near us, deep in our night and death.”

Stanza 3 // This stanza tells us the natural result of the promise given - the dying one rises to bear much fruit! Today, that fruit is Christ himself, given to us as the “bread of life.” In Him, we rejoice with all the baptized - the “unceasing praise of the ages” - who have been raised from death to life. 

Other Suggestions

ELW 330 - Seed That in Earth Is Dying // SÅKORN SOM DØR I JORDEN

ELW 321 - Eternal Lord of Love, Behold Your Church - OLD 124TH

ELW 330 - Seed That in Earth Is Dying - SÅKORN SOM DØR I JORDEN

ELW 334 - Tree of Life and Awesome Mystery - THOMAS

ELW 416 - At the Name of Jesus - KING’S WESTON

ELW 442 - All Who Believe and Are Baptized - ES IST DAS HEIL

ELW 448 - This Is the Spirit’s Entry Now - LAND OF REST

ELW 451 - We Are Baptized in Christ Jesus - OUIMETTE

ELW 660 - Lift High the Cross - CRUCIFER

LBW 101 - O Christ, Our King, Creator, Lord - OAKLEY

LBW 179 - At the Name of Jesus - KING’S WESTON

LBW 194 - All Who Believe and Are Baptized - ES IST DAS HEIL

LBW 195 - This Is the Spirit’s Entry Now - PERRY

LBW 377 - Lift High the Cross - CRUCIFER

LSB 512 - At the Name of Jesus - KING’S WESTON

LSB 591 - This Is the Spirit’s Entry Now - DAMASCUS ROAD

LSB 596 - All Christians Who Have Been Baptized - NUN FREUT EUCH

LSB 598 - Once in the Blest Baptismal Waters - WER WEISS, WIE NAHE

LSB 601 - All Who Believe and Are Baptized - ES IST DAS HEIL

LSB 837 - Lift High the Cross - CRUCIFER

RH 74 - We Are Baptized in Christ Jesus - OUIMETTE

RH 75 - All Who Believe and Are Baptized - ES IST DAS HEIL

RH 127 - At the Name of Jesus - KING’S WESTON

RH 269 - Lift High the Cross - CRUCIFER

ZACHARY'S NOTES:  

Stanza 1 // Because this is a Scripture passage we’ve heard many times in life [and many times in the lectionary] it is helpful to hear and sing of God’s love in new ways. This hymn helps us hear John 3:16 in what might be a new way. God’s love is seen in Christ “bearing the dreadful curse” for our soul! The curse of sin is our own. Christ comes to make it his own, that we might have his gift of forgiveness and new life.

Stanza 2 // “God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world” says the famous Scripture passage. This is not only good news because we do not wish to know the wrath of God, but [as this stanzas points out] we were fairly well condemned without God’s help! Though we were utterly helpless, Christ became helpless for us, laying aside his power and glory to forgive those who were condemned.

Stanza 3 // More than a simple hope that singing might take place in all congregations, we join with the “millions” of sinners in need of God’s forgiveness. This is the theme of the Church - week after week, Sunday after Sunday - who stand in need of the “wondrous love” God gives.

Stanza 4 // The song we sing today is one that does not end! The Son came that we might have life eternal, and sing today in faith, and forever in glory around the throne of the Lamb.

OTHER SUGGESTIONS: 

ELW 666 -  What Wondrous Love Is This // ᴡᴏɴᴅʀᴏᴜꜱ ʟᴏᴠᴇ

ELW 321 - Eternal Lord of Love, Behold Your Church - OLD 124TH

ELW 323 - God Loved the World - ROCKINGHAM OLD

ELW 339 - Christ, the Life of All the Living - JESU, MEINES LEBENS LEBEN

ELW 442 - All Who Believe and Are Baptized - ES IST DAS HEIL

ELW 451 - We Are Baptized in Christ Jesus - OUIMETTE

ELW 456 - Baptized in Water - BUNESSAN

ELW 660 - Lift High the Cross - CRUCIFER

ELW 666 - What Wondrous Love Is This - WONDROUS LOVE

ELW 803 - When I Survey the Wondrous Cross - HAMBURG

ELW 848 - Give to Our God Immortal Praise! - DUKE STREET

LBW 96 - Christ, the Life of All the Living - JESU, MEINES LEBENS LEBEN

LBW 192 - Baptized into Your Name Most Holy - O DASS ICH TAUSEND ZUNGEN HÄTTE

LBW 194 - All Who Believe and Are Baptized - ES IST DAS HEIL

LBW 292 - God Loved the World - DIE HELLE SONN LEUCHT 

LBW 377 - Lift High the Cross - CRUCIFER

LBW 385 - What Wondrous Love Is This - WONDROUS LOVE

LBW 482 - When I Survey the Wondrous Cross - ROCKINGHAM OLD

LBW 520 - Give to Our God Immortal Praise! - DUKE STREET

LSB 420 - Christ, the Life of All the Living - JESU, MEINES LEBENS LEBEN

LSB 425/426 - When I Survey the Wondrous Cross - HAMBURG // ROCKINGHAM OLD

LSB 543 - What Wondrous Love Is This - WONDROUS LOVE

LSB 571 - God Loved the World So That He Gave - st. crispin

LSB 590 - Baptized into Your Name Most Holy - O DASS ICH TAUSEND ZUNGEN HÄTTE (DRETZEL)

LSB 601 - All Who Believe and Are Baptized - ES IST DAS HEIL

LSB 837 - Lift High the Cross - CRUCIFER

RH 12 - Give to Our God Immortal Praise! - DUKE STREET

RH 74 - We Are Baptized in Christ Jesus - OUIMETTE

RH 75 - All Who Believe and Are Baptized - ES IST DAS HEIL

RH 132 - When I Survey the Wondrous Cross - HAMBURG

RH 218 - Christ, the Life of All the Living - JESU, MEINES LEBENS LEBEN

RH 254 - What Wondrous Love Is This - WONDROUS LOVE

RH 269 - Lift High the Cross - CRUCIFER

ZACHARY'S NOTES:  

Stanza 1 // This prayer is especially effective as we stand in worship and sing in light of this weekend’s Gospel text. Christ does not simply lose his mind over money, but demands that worship give the “splendor of God’s love” in prayer and praise. 

Stanza 2 // The love of money, attendance, attraction, or having something to sell in the name of God is not new - nor has it been driven from Christian congregations today! These exist because of what this hymn calls a “fruitless fear.” By the Spirit’s power, we are given a promise beyond all of these concerns - one that gives assurance of God’s mercy in the midst of sin.

Stanza 3 // The life Christ gives to His people is in direct contrast [and perhaps opposition] to all the worldly wealth we might accumulate, whether money or influence. This is joy in all its fullness - one in the waters of Baptism in which we are killed and raised to life - all with a Word from God killed and raised from the dead. This is what the Psalmist says - in God’s presence is “fullness of joy!”

Stanza 4 // Even as we continue to search for answers in life - sometimes choosing convenience over Christ - God gives us a promise of grace. This is a repeated and undeserved favor, that we will see God face-to-face in worship around the throne of Almighty God.

Other Suggestions

• ELW 328 -  Restore in Us, O God // ʙᴀʏʟᴏʀ
• ELW 324 - In the Cross of Christ I Glory - RATHBUN
• ELW 328 - Restore in Us, O God - BAYLOR
• ELW 339 - Christ, the Life of All the Living - JESU, MEINES LEBENS LEBEN
• ELW 602 - Your Heart, O God, Is Grieved - ZNÁME TO, PANE BOŽE NÁŠ
• ELW 705 - God of Grace and God of Glory - CWM RHONDDA
• ELW 775 - Jesus, Priceless Treasure - JESU, MEINE FREUDE
• ELW 757 - All My Hope on God Is Founded - MICHAEL
• ELW 803 - When I Survey the Wondrous Cross - HAMBURG
• ELW 811 - On My Heart Imprint Your Image - DER AM KREUZ
• LBW 96 - Your Heart, O God, Is Grieved - ZNÁME TO, PANE BOŽE NÁŠ
• LBW 97 - Christ, the Life of All the Living - JESU, MEINES LEBENS LEBEN
• LBW 102 - On My Heart Imprint Your Image - DER AM KREUZ
• LBW 104 - In the Cross of Christ I Glory - RATHBUN
• LBW 335 - May God Bestow on Us His Grace - ES WOLLE GOTT UNS GNÄDIG SEIN
• LBW 415 - God of Grace and God of Glory - CWM RHONDDA
• LBW 428 - O God of Earth and Altar - KING’S LYNN
• LBW 457/458 - Jesus, Priceless Treasure - JESU, MEINE FREUDE // GUD SKAL ALTING MAGE
• LBW 482 - When I Survey the Wondrous Cross - ROCKINGHAM OLD
• LSB 420 - Christ, the Life of All the Living - JESU, MEINES LEBENS LEBEN
• LSB 422 - On My Heart Imprint Your Image - DER AM KREUZ 
• LSB 425/426 - When I Survey the Wondrous Cross - HAMBURG // ROCKINGHAM OLD
• LSB 427 - In the Cross of Christ I Glory - RATHBUN
• ELW 743 - Jesus, Priceless Treasure - JESU, MEINE FREUDE
• LSB 850 - God of Grace and God of Glory - CWM RHONDDA
• LSB 945 - Your Heart, O God, Is Grieved - ZNÁME TO, PANE BOŽE NÁŠ
• RH 39 - Jesus, Priceless Treasure - JESU, MEINE FREUDE
• RH 52 - On My Heart Imprint Your Image - FREU DICH SEHR
• RH 132 - When I Survey the Wondrous Cross - HAMBURG
• RH 138 - In the Cross of Christ I Glory - RATHBUN
• RH 194 - All Depends on Our Possessing - ALLES IST AN GOTTES SEGEN
• RH 218 - Christ, the Life of All the Living - JESU, MEINES LEBENS LEBEN