Time Out, Episode 47

Text: 1 Peter 1. Hymn: 412, The People That in Darkness Sat.

1 Peter 1:6-7 has an interesting answer for theodicy, or why God allows bad things to happen:

In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

It reminds me of a story whose moral is, “the sweetness was so sweet because the bitter was so bitter.”

412 is simple and joyful, giving us in one hymn the scriptural content of two of Handel’s songs from Messiah.

1. The people that in darkness sat
   A glorious light have seen;
   The light has shined on them who long
   In shades of death have been,
   In shades of death have been.
2. To hail Thee, Sun of Righteousness,
   The gath-’ring nations come;
   They joy as when the reapers bear
   Their harvest treasures home,
   Their harvest treasures home.
3. To us a Child of hope is born,
   To us a Son is giv’n,
   And on His shoulder ever rests
   All pow’r in earth and heav’n,
   All pow’r in earth and heav’n.
4. His name shall be the Prince of Peace,
   The Everlasting Lord,
   The Wonderful, the Counselor.
   The God by all adored,
   The God by all adored.
5. His righteous government and pow’r
   Shall over all extend;
   On judgment and on justice based,
   His reign shall have no end,
   His reign shall have no end.
6. Lord Jesus, reign in us, we pray,
   And make us Thine alone,
   Who with the Father ever art
   And Holy Spirit, one,
   And Holy Spirit, one.