Time Out

Time Out, Episode 155

Dan — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 17:15:05 +0000

Text: 2 Corinthians 3
Hymn: 399, The Star Proclaims the King is Here
Kretzmann Commentary: 2 Corinthians 3
Bonus Bumper: Kr. Jake Weber, “Thy Strong Word”

Tell some people that God’s Law is the “ministry of death,” and they would be offended. Yet St. Paul does this in 2 Corinthians 3:7. Luther carries this thought into his first thesis of the Heidelberg Disputation:

The law of God, the most salutary doctrine of life, cannot advance man on his way to righteousness, but rather hinders him.

Our sufficiency is from God, not from ourselves. If it were left to us, we would all go to Hell.

“Herod, why this senseless fear, indeed?” Your soul, not your throne, is at stake.

The Star Proclaims the King Is Here

The star proclaims the King is here;
But, Herod, why this senseless fear?
For He who offers heav’n-ly birth
Seeks not the kingdoms of this earth.
The eastern sages saw from far
And followed on His guiding star;
And, led by light, to light they trod
And by their gifts confessed their God.
Within the Jordan’s sacred flood
The heav’n-ly Lamb in meekness stood
That He, of whom no sin was known,
Might cleanse His people from their own.
And oh, what miracle divine,
When water reddened into wine!
He spoke the word, and forth it flowed
In streams that nature ne’er bestowed.
For this His glad epiphany
All glory, Jesus, be to Thee,
Whom with the Father we adore,
And Holy Spirit evermore.

Time Out, Episode 154

Dan — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 17:15:48 +0000

Text: Galatians 4
Hymn: 410, Within the Father’s House
Kretzmann Commentary: Galatians 4
Bonus Bumper: Bobby Fuller Four, I Fought the Law

The Law is good, but it does not make alive. It is a guide for how we should live, but it does not save. It points out our sin and kills us, so that we may wholly trust in Christ for forgiveness and for inheritance into His kingdom.

Within the Father’s house, the Son has found his home. Christ fulfills the law on our behalf and takes the punishment that we deserve. The incarnate Word revealed himself to the Pharisees through the Word (Luke 4:17-21). That is where we find him today.

Chris Loemker again joins us on the organ.

Within the Father’s House

Within the Father’s house
The Son has found His home,
And to His temple suddenly
The Lord of life has come.
The doctors of the Law
Gaze on the wondrous child
And marvel at His gracious words
Of wisdom undefiled.
Yet not to them is giv’n
The mighty truth to know,
To lift the earthly veil that hides
Incarnate God below.
The secret of the Lord
Escapes each human eye,
And faithful pond’ring hearts await
The full epiphany.
Lord, visit Thou our souls
And teach us by Thy grace
Each dim revealing of Thyself
With loving awe to trace.
Till we behold Thy face
And know as we are known
Thee, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,
Coequal Three in One.

Time Out, Episode 153

Dan — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 17:15:57 +0000

Text: I Corinthians 15:1-28
Hymn: 412, The People That in Darkness Sat
Kretzmann Commentary: I Corinthians 15:1-28
Bonus Bumper: Handel, Messiah, Since By Man Came Death

I Corinthians 15 is one of my favorite passages in the Bible. It separates fact from fable and reminds us that everything rests on the death and resurrection of the God-man, Jesus Christ. This wasn’t something written on golden disks or told to one single prophet by an angel. The risen Christ appeared to Peter, then James, then all the apostles, then over 500 other witnesses. And what is the big deal? This God-man takes our sin, our death, our flesh, and dies with it, the holy paying for the unholy, the Christ paying for the sins of the world, even those of Paul, who persecuted the Church.

The resurrection was real. It is something we can have faith in, an event that has everlasting consequences for you and me.

The People That in Darkness Sat

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

Time Out, Episode 152

Dan — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 17:15:04 +0000

Text: Romans 11
Hymn: 394, Songs of Thankfulness and Praise
Kretzmann Commentary: Romans 11
Bonus Bumper: Handel, Glory Be to God the Father

Israel has killed God’s prophets and demolished His altars, and yet God has not rejected his people. In order for Israel to see what it was missing, God gave the Gospel to the Gentiles as well.

Anthems be to Thee addressed, God in man made manifest!

I’m still on the tail end of a cold, but the hymn turned out well anyway, thanks in no small part to the talents of our guest accompanist, Mr. Chris Loemker, Music Director of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Collinsville, IL.

Songs of Thankfulness and Praise

Songs of thankfulness and praise,
Jesus, Lord, to Thee we raise,
Manifested by the star
To the sages from afar,
Branch of royal David’s stem
In Thy birth at Bethlehem:
Anthems be to Thee addressed,
God in man made manifest.
Manifest at Jordan’s stream,
Prophet Priest and King supreme;
And at Cana wedding guest
In Thy Godhead manifest;
Manifest in pow’r divine,
Changing water into wine;
Anthems be to Thee addressed,
God in man made manifest.
Manifest in making whole
Palsied limbs and fainting soul;
Manifest in valiant fight,
Quelling all the devil’s might;
Manifest in gracious will,
Ever bringing good from ill;
Anthems be to Thee addressed,
God in man made manifest.
Sun and moon shall darkened be,
Stars shall fall, the heav’ns shall flee;
Christ will then like lightning shine,
All ill see His glorious sign;
All will then the trumpet hear,
All will see the Judge appear;
Thou by all wilt be confessed,
God in man made manifest.
Grant us grace to see Thee, Lord,
Present in Thy holy Word–
Grace to imitate Thee now
And be pure, as pure art Thou;
That we might become like Thee
At Thy great Epiphany
And may praise Thee, ever blest,
God in man made manifest.

Time Out, Episode 151

Dan — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 17:15:57 +0000

Text: Acts 1
Hymn: 382, We Praise You, Jesus, At Your Birth
Kretzmann Commentary: Acts 1
Bonus Bumper: Time Out, Episode 120, “A Hymn of Glory Let Us Sing”

I regret that Sam Mussman’s Time Out, scheduled for today, has to be postponed. After I got his accompaniment, my singing voice started sounding like garbage due to a cold. I hope to have him back in February.

Acts 1. The Ascension. At the end of the Christmas season. Hey, that’s just how we roll. Why do you stand looking to heaven? Jesus now comes where two or three are gathered in His name, in Baptism, in the Lord’s Supper, and in the Divine Service. The King of Kings now serves us, forgiving our sins, making us righteous before God, freeing us from that worry so that we can serve our neighbor.

That’s why we praise him at his birth.

© 2006 Concordia Publishing House; (sts. 2,4): © 1978 Concordia Publishing House
Podcast under OneLicense.Net A-718131.
Setting from Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House. Used by permission.

We Praise You, Jesus, at Your Birth

We praise You, Jesus, at Your birth;
Clothed in flesh You came to earth.
The virgin bears a sinless boy
And all the angels sing for joy.
Alleluia!
Now in the manger we may see
God’s Son from eternity,
The gift from god’s eternal throne
Here clothed in our poor flesh and bone.
Alleluia!
The virgin Mary’s lullaby
Calms the infant Lord Most High.
Upon her lap content is He
Who keeps the earth and sky and see.
Alleluia!
The Light Eternal, breaking through,
Made the world to gleam anew;
His beams have pierced the core of night,
He makes us children of the light.
Alleluia!
The very Son of God sublime
Entered into earthly time
To lead us from this world of cares
To heaven’s courts as blessed heirs.
Alleluia!
In poverty He came to earth
Shwoing mercy by His birth;
He makes us rich in heav’nly ways
As we, like angels, sing His praise.
Alleluia!
All this for us our God has done
Granting love through His own Son.
Therefore, all Christendom, rejoice
And sing His praise with endless voice.
Alleluia!

Time Out, Episode 150

Dan — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 17:15:38 +0000

Text: John 1:35-51
Hymn: TLH 92, Now Sing We Now, Rejoice
Kretzmann Commentary: John 1:35-51
Bonus Bumper: Cherubini, Requiem, “Agnus Dei”
Overtime Bumper: Enya, And Winter Came, “Oíche Chiúin (Chorale)”

Merry Christmas!

We wrap up John with the beginning of the ministry of Jesus. Jesus has already amazed the disciples, but still more amazing things are coming — like a death and resurrection!

The Overtime is all Christmas carols. “Infant Holy, Infant Lowly” is from 2010, and “All My Heart Again Rejoices” is from 2009. We finish with a carol from Bethany Lutheran Church in Naperville, IL. The video can be found on Vimeo.

“What Child is This,” can also be seen on YouTube. Please share it with your family and friends!

Now Sing We, Now Rejoice

Now sing we, now rejoice,
Now raise to heaven our voice;
He from whom joy streameth
Poor in a manger lies;
Not so brightly beameth
The sun in yonder skies.
Thou my Savior art!
Thou my Savior art!
Come from on high to me;
I cannot rise to Thee
Cheer my wearied spirit,
O pure and holy Child;
Through Thy grace and merit,
Blest Jesus, Lord most mild,
Draw me unto Thee!
Draw me unto Thee!
Now through His Son doth shine
The Father’s grace divine.
Death o’er us had reigned
Through sin and vanity;
He for us obtained
Eternal joy on high.
May we praise Him there!
May we praise Him there!
Oh, where shall joy be found?
Where but on heavenly ground?
Where the angels singing
With all His saints unite,
Sweetest praises bringing
In heavenly joy and light.
Oh, that we were there!
Oh, that we were there!

What Child is This

What child is this who, laid to rest,
On Mary’s lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet
While shepherds watch are keeping?
This, this is Christ the King,
Whom shepherds guard and Angels sing;
Haste, haste, to bring Him laud,
The babe, the son of Mary.
Why lies He in such mean estate
Where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christian, fear; for sinners here
The silent Word is pleading.
Nails, spear shall pierce Him through,
The cross be borne for me, for you.
Hail, hail the Word made flesh,
The babe, the son of Mary.
So bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh,
Come peasant, king to own Him.
The King of kings salvation brings;
Let loving hearts enthrone Him.
Raise, raise the song on high,
The virgin sings her lullaby;
Joy, joy, for Christ is born,
The babe, the son of Mary.

Infant Holy, Infant Lowly

Infant holy,
Infant lowly,
For His bed a cattle stall;
Oxen lowing,
Little knowing
Christ the child is Lord of all.
Swiftly winging,
Angels singing,
Bells are ringing,
Tidings bringing:
Christ the child is Lord of all!
Christ the child is Lord of all!
Flocks were sleeping,
Shepherds keeping
Vigil till the morning new
Saw the glory,
Heard the story,
Tidings of a Gospel true.
Thus rejoicing,
Free from sorrow,
Praises voicing,
Greet the morrow:
Christ the child was born for you!
Christ the child was born for you!

All My Heart Again Rejoices

All my heart again rejoices
As I hear Far and near
Sweetest angel voices.
“Christ is born,” their choirs are singing
Till the air Everywhere
Now with joy is ringing.
Hear the Conqueror has spoken,
Now the foe, Sin and woe,
Death and hell are broken.
God is man, man to deliver;
And the Son Now is one
With our blood forever.
Should we fear our God’s displeasure,
Who, to save, Freely gave
His most precious Treasure?
To redeem us He has given
His own Son From the throne
Of His might in heaven.
See the Lamb, our sin once taking
To the cross, Suff’ring loss,
Full atonement making.
For our life His own He tenders,
And His grace All our race
Fit for glory renders.
Softly from His lowly manger
Jesus calls One and all,
“You are safe from danger.
Children, from the sins that grieve you
You are freed; All you need
I will surely give you.”
Come, then, banish all your sadness,
One and all, Great and small;
Come with songs of gladness.
We shall live with Him forever
There on high, In that joy
Which can vanish never.

Time Out, 7th O Antiphon: O Emmanuel

Dan — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 23:30:17 +0000

O Emmanuel

O Emmanuel, our king and our Lord, the anointed for the nations and their Savior:

Come and save us, O Lord our God.

Text from LSB 357, “O” Antiphons.

Psalm tone from the Brotherhood Prayer Book, published by Emmanuel Press. Used with permission.

Time Out, Episode 149

Dan — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 17:15:20 +0000

Text: John 1:19-34
Hymn: 357, O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, with Michele Bunyon
Kretzmann Commentary: John 1:19-34
Bonus Bumper: Handel, Messiah, “Behold the Lamb of God”

Our second episode of three in John 1 covers the testimony of John the Baptist. Always pointing to the Messiah; what an example.

O King of the Nations

O King of the nations, the ruler they long for, the cornerstone uniting all people:

Come and save us all, whom you formed out of clay.

Text from LSB 357, “O” Antiphons.
Psalm tone from the Brotherhood Prayer Book, published by Emmanuel Press. Used with permission.

Guest vocalist Michele Bunyon, who attends Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Columbus, OH, joins us on the hymn. Come, Lord Jesus, come soon.

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel

O come, O come, Emmanuel,
And ransom captive Israel
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel!
O come, Thou Wisdom from on high,
Who ord’rest all things mightily;
To us the path of knowledge show,
And teach us in her ways to go.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to you, O Israel!
O come, O come, Thou Lord of might,
Who to thy tribes on Sinai’s height
In ancient times didst give the law,
In cloud and majesty and awe.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to you, O Israel!
O come, Thou Branch of Jesse’s tree,
Free them from Satan’s tyranny
That trust Thy mighty pow’r to save,
And give them vict’ry o’er the grave.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel!
O come, Thou Key of David, come
And open wide our heav’nly home:
Make safe the way that leads on high
And close the path to misery.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel!
O come, Thou Dayspring from on high,
And cheer us by Thy drawing nigh;
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night
And death’s dark shadows put to flight.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel!
O come, Desire of nations, bind
In one the hearts of all mankind;
Bid Thou our sad divisions cease,
And be Thyself our King of Peace.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to you, O Israel!

Time Out, 5th O Antiphon: O Dayspring

Dan — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 23:30:50 +0000

O Dayspring

O Dayspring, splendor of light everlasting:

Come and enlighten those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death.

Text from LSB 357, “O” Antiphons.
Psalm tone from the Brotherhood Prayer Book, published by Emmanuel Press. Used with permission.

Time Out, 4th O Antiphon: O Key of David

Dan — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 23:30:31 +0000

O Key of David

O Key of David and scepter of the house of Israel, You open and no one can close, You close and no one can open:

Come and rescue the prisoners who are in darkness and the shadow of death.

Text from LSB 357, “O” Antiphons.
Psalm tone from the Brotherhood Prayer Book, published by Emmanuel Press. Used with permission.

Time Out, 3rd O Antiphon: O Root of Jesse

Dan — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 23:30:37 +0000

O Root of Jesse

O Root of Jesse, standing as an ensign before the peoples, before whom all kings are mute, to whom the nations will do homage:

Come quickly to deliver us.

Text from LSB 357, “O” Antiphons.
Psalm tone from the Brotherhood Prayer Book, published by Emmanuel Press. Used with permission.

Time Out, 2nd O Antiphon: O Adonai

Dan — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 23:30:32 +0000

O Adonai

O Adonai and ruler of the house of Israel, who appeared to Moses in the burning bush and gave him the Law on Sinai:

Come with an outstretched arm and redeem us.

Text from LSB 357, “O” Antiphons.
Psalm tone from the Brotherhood Prayer Book, published by Emmanuel Press. Used with permission.

Time Out, 1st O Antiphon: O Wisdom

Dan — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 23:30:50 +0000

The “O” Antiphons have been sung or recited at Vespers services since at latest the sixth century. The text of the antiphons is drawn from the book of Isaiah, and each title of an antiphon is a title for the Messiah. There is a separate O Antiphon for each of the seven days prior to Christmas Eve Day.

Kantor Beethe, Time Out’s regular accompanist and director of parish music at Grace Lutheran Church in Little Rock, AR, will chant each of these. The words come from the “O” Antiphons listed at the end of LSB Hymn 357, and the psalm tone comes from the Brotherhood Prayer Book, published by Emmanuel Press. Psalm tone used with permission.

The other “O” Antiphons will appear here over the next six days.

O Wisdom

O Wisdom, proceeding from the mouth of the Most High, pervading and permeating all creation, mightily ordering all things:

Come and teach us the way of prudence.

Time Out, Episode 148

Dan — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 17:15:11 +0000

Text: John 1:1-18
Hymn: 347, Comfort, Comfort, Ye My People
Kretzmann Commentary: John 1:1-18
Bonus Bumper: In the Beginning Was the Word

Dr. Kretzmann has a wealth of commentary regarding John 1, so Episodes 148-150 will be devoted to John 1. There is so much Christology that it’s worth slowing down and taking in chunks.

“Comfort, comfort, ye my people”…or as we could phrase it today: you, who are my people, be comforted. We see very little in this life but sin at our door and the devil lying in wait seeking to devour us.

Do not despair. Repent, and believe the Gospel. Confess your sin, and be absolved. His Word is never broken.

Comfort, Comfort Ye My People

Comfort, comfort, ye My people,
Speak ye peace, thus saith our God;
“Comfort those who sit in darkness,
Mourning ‘neath their sorrows’ load.
Speak ye to Jerusalem
Of the peace that waits for them;
Tell her that her sins I cover
And her warfare now is over.”
Yea, her sins our God will pardon,
Blotting out each dark misdeed;
All that well deserved His anger
He no more will see or heed.
She hath suffered many a day,
Now her griefs have passed away;
God will change her pining sadness
Into ever-springing gladness.
Hark, the herald’s voice is crying
In the desert far and near,
Calling sinners to repentance
Since the Kingdom now is here.
Oh, that warning cry obey!
Now prepare for God a way;
Let the valleys rise to meet Him
And the hills bow down to greet Him.
Make ye straight what long was crooked,
Make the rougher places plain;
Let your hearts be true and humble,
As befits His holy reign.
For the glory of the Lord
Now o’er earth is shed abroad,
And all flesh shall see the token
That His Word is never broken.

Time Out, Episode 147

Dan — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 17:15:21 +0000

Text: Luke 1:57-80
Hymn: 344, On Jordan’s Bank the Baptist’s Cry
Kretzmann Commentary: Luke: 1:57-80
Bonus Bumper: G.P. Telemann, Benedictus Dominus, Deus Israel

Luke 1 finishes with the Song of Zechariah, a prophecy to the son of Zechariah, John the Baptist. The setting of this text in the LSB Matins service is quite beautiful.

The last time we played 344, Iggy commented:

It’s an interesting progression between Stanzas 3 and 4. We go from “Like flow’rs that wither and decay” to “Till beauty springs in ev’ry place.”

Without Christ, we are Stanza 3.
Because of Christ, we are Stanza 4!

Can we say “now / not yet?”

On Jordan’s Bank the Baptist’s Cry

On Jordan’s bank the baptist’s cry
Announces that the Lord is nigh;
Awake and hearken, for he brings
Glad tidings of the King of kings!
Then cleansed by every life from sin;
Make straight the way for God within,
And let us all our hearts prepare
For Christ to come and enter there.
We hail Thee as our Savior, Lord,
Our refuge and our great reward;
Without Thy grace we waste away
Like flow’rs that wither and decay.
Lay on the sick Thy healing hand
And make the fallen strong to stand;
Show us the glory of Thy face
Till beauty springs in ev-’ry place.
All praise, eternal Son, to Thee
Whose advent sets Thy people free,
Whom with the Father we adore
And Holy Spirit evermore.

Time Out, Episode 146

Dan — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 17:15:40 +0000

Text: Luke 1:1-56
Hymn: 333, Once He Came in Blessing
Kretzmann Commentary: Luke 1:1-56
Bonus Bumper: Bach, Magnificat

The first chapter of Luke is so long that it needed to be broken up into two episodes. We will conclude Luke 1 next week.

“Blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.” Contrast this with Zechariah’s doubt. The Word of the Lord gives life; it can be trusted, even when we don’t see how. Let His salvation be done to us as God has commanded.

333 is one of my favorite Advent hymns, and the tune is very versatile: it almost asks to be played by a symphony with some trumpet overtones. I also like the reference to the Lord’s Supper in verse 2: “With Himself He feeds us.” Brilliant.

Once He Came in Blessing

Once He came in blessing,
All our sins redressing;
Came in likeness lowly,
Son of God most holy;
Bore the cross to save us;
Hope and freedom gave us.
Now He gently leads us;
With Himself He feeds us
Precious food from heaven,
Pledge of peace here given,
Manna that will nourish
Souls that they may flourish.
Soon will come that hour
When with mighty power
Christ will come in splendor
And will judgment render,
With the faithful sharing
Joy beyond comparing.
Come, then, O Lord Jesus,
From our sins release us.
Keep our hearts believing,
That we, grace receiving,
Ever may confess You
Till in heav’n we bless You.

Time Out, Episode 145

Dan — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 17:15:51 +0000

Text: Mark 1
Hymn: 532, The Head that Once Was Crowned With Thorns
Kretzmann Commentary: Mark 1
Bonus Bumper: Cherubini, Requiem, Sanctus

Guests: Anna Baseley and Cantor Jake Weber.

There’s no Christmas for Mark. He fast-forwards to the beginning of Jesus’ ministry. Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Now.

The Head That Once Was Crowned with Thorns

The Head that once was crowned with thorns
Is crowned with glory now;
A royal diadem adorns
The mighty Victor’s brow.
The highest place that heav’n affords
Is His, is His by right;
The King of kings and Lord of lords,
And heav’n’s eternal Light;
The Joy of all who dwell above,
The Joy of all below,
To whom He manifests His love,
And grants His Name to know.
To them the cross with all its shame,
With all its grace, is giv’n;
Their name an everlasting name,
Their joy the joy of heav’n.
They suffer with their Lord below;
They reign with Him above;
Their profit and their joy to know
The myst’ry of His love.
The cross He bore is life and health,
Though shame and death to Him,
His people’s hope, His people’s wealth,
Their everlasting theme.

Time Out, Episode 144

Dan — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 17:15:36 +0000

Text: Matthew 1
Hymn: 512, At the Name of Jesus
Kretzmann Commentary: Matthew 1
Bonus Bumper: Handel, Messiah, Symphony

The pronunciation of the names in Matthew 1 were verified at netministries.org. If there’s a better source, I’d appreciate it.

Matthew 1 does have a lot of names, but one of the things that the list drives home is that the Christian (and Old Testament Judaism) faith is one set in history. Our faith wasn’t an attempt to explain or describe the universe. It starts and ends with Christ, prophesied from the beginning and fulfilled in real time.

The story of the Nativity is good, too.

512, “At the Name of Jesus,” is one of the first hymns Cantor Beethe and I did together. The vocals have been reworked, with two years of lessons learned the hard way. It’s a cool hymn with Law and Gospel, resolve and hope.

At the Name of Jesus

At the Name of Jesus,
Every knee shall bow,
Ev’ry tongue confess Him
King of glory now.
’Tis the Father’s pleasure
We should call Him Lord,
Who from the beginning
Was the mighty Word.
At His voice creation
Sprang at once to sight,
All the angel faces,
All the hosts of light,
Thrones and bright dominions,
Stars upon their way,
All the heav’nly orders
In their great array.
Humbled for a season,
To receive a name
From the lips of sinners
Unto whom He came,
Faithfully He bore it
Spotless to the last,
Brought it back victorious
When from death He passed.
Bore it up triumphant
With its human light,
Through all ranks of creatures,
To the central height,
To the throne of Godhead,
To the Father’s breast,
Filled it with the glory
Of that perfect rest.
In your hearts enthrone Him;
There let Him subdue
All that is not holy,
All that is not true:
Crown Him as your Captain
In temptation’s hour;
Let His will enfold you
In its light and power.
Christians, this Lord Jesus
Shall return again,
In His Father’s glory,
With His angel train;
For all wreaths of empire
Meet upon His brow,
And our hearts confess Him
King of glory now.
Glory then to Jesus,
Who, the Prince of light,
To a world in darkness
Brought the gift of sight;
Praise to God the Father;
In the Spirit’s love
Praise we all together
Him who reigns above.

Time Out, Episode 143

Dan — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 17:15:52 +0000

Text: Zechariah 8
Hymn: TLH 609, Wake, Awake, for Night is Flying
Kretzmann Commentary: Zechariah 8
Bonus Bumper: WELS Honor Choir, Jerusalem the Golden

We wrap up our second pass through the Old Testament with Zechariah 8, a wonderful prophecy of peace and of God’s return to his remnant.

Words and lyrics for the “King of Chorales” can be found in the supplement for Episode 41. The vocals have been re-recorded, something I like to do for hymns that we recorded before Episode 83. With perhaps an exception where my voice dried up, I think the rework turned out well.

Time Out, Episode 142

Dan — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 16:15:26 +0000

Text: Joel 3
Hymn: 585, Lord Jesus Christ, with Us Abide
Kretzmann Commentary: Joel 3
Bonus Bumper: Johnny Cash, American IV, “The Man Comes Around”

Multitudes, multitudes, in the valley of decision! For the day of the Lord is near! Everyone will hear the Gospel, and those that believe shall be saved.

585 is a hymn of humility, praying for those things that we can’t possibly do ourselves. Let us keep the Word and never dim it. Let it unify the church.

Text: © 1982 Concordia Publishing House. All rights reserved.
Podcast under OneLicense.Net A-718131.

Lord Jesus Christ, with Us Abide

Lord Jesus Christ, with us abide,
For round us falls the eventide.
O let Your Word, that saving light,
Shine forth undimmed into the night.
In these last days of great distress
Grant us, dear Lord, true steadfastness
That we keep pure till life is spent
Your holy Word and Sacrament.
To hope grown dim, to hearts turned cold
Speak tongues of fire and make us bold
To shine Your Word of saving grace
Into each dark and loveless place.
May glorious truths that we have heard,
The bright sword of Your mighty Word,
Spur Satan that Your Church be strong,
Bold, unified in act and song.
Restrain, O Lord, the human pride
That seeks to thrust Your truth aside
Or with some man-made thoughts or things
Would dim the words Your Spirit sings.
Stay with us, Lord, and keep us true;
Preserve our faith our whole life through—
Your Word alone our heart’s defense,
The Church’s glorious confidence.

Time Out, Episode 141

Dan — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 16:15:49 +0000

Text: Hosea 2
Hymn: 578, Thy Strong Word
Kretzmann Commentary: Hosea 2
Bonus Bumper: Kevin Boese, Great Is They Faithfulness

Hosea 2 is a little not-safe-for-work-ish in its description of unfaithful Israel. God promises to cut her off from those who take credit for what God has given her, and then he will betroth her to himself. Those who have not received mercy will receive mercy, and those who weren’t His people will be. This is all accomplished through the death and resurrection of Christ Jesus our Lord.

“Thy Strong Word,” is one of Martin Franzmann’s more famous tunes, and Cantor Weber makes this one fly. I particularly like the justification language in verse 3: God bespeaks us righteous, and it is so. Verse 5 is also an acknowledgement that our ability to praise comes first from Him.

Thanks to Anna Baseley and Cantor Jake Weber for their performances on this hymn, and thanks to John Baseley for recording and mixing.

Text: © 1969 Concordia Publishing House
Podcast under OneLicense.Net A-718131.
Setting from Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House. Used by permission.

Thy Strong Word

Thy strong word did cleave the darkness;
At Thy speaking it was done.
For created light we thank Thee,
While Thine ordered seasons run.
Alleluia, alleluia!
Praise to Thee who light dost send!
Alleluia, alleluia!
Alleluia without end!
Lo, on those who dwelt in darkness,
Dark as night as deep as death,
Broke the light of Thy salvation,
Breathed Thine own life-breathing breath.
Alleluia, alleluia!
Praise to Thee who light dost send!
Alleluia, alleluia!
Alleluia without end!
Thy strong Word bespeaks us righteous;
Bright with Thine own holiness,
Glorious now, we press toward glory,
And our lives our hopes confess.
Alleluia, alleluia!
Praise to Thee who light dost send!
Alleluia, alleluia!
Alleluia without end!
From the cross Thy wisdom shining
Breaketh forth in conqu’ring might;
From the cross forever beameth
All thy bright redeeming light.
Alleluia, alleluia!
Praise to Thee who light dost send!
Alleluia, alleluia!
Alleluia without end!
Give us lips to sing Thy glory,
Tongues Thy mercy to proclaim,
Throats that shout the hopes that fills us,
Mouths to speak Thy holy name.
Alleluia, alleluia!
May the light which Thou dost send
Fill our songs with alleluias,
Alleluias without end!
God the Father, light-creator,
To Thee laud and honor be.
To Thee, Light of Light begotten,
Praise be sung eternally.
Holy Spirit, light-revealer,
Glory, glory be to Thee.
Mortals, angels, now and ever
Praise the holy Trinity!

Time Out, Episode 140

Dan — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 16:15:17 +0000

Text: Daniel 9
Hymn: 940, Holy God, We Praise Your Name
Kretzmann Commentary: Daniel 9
Bonus Bumper: Cannonball Adderly Quintet, Mercy Mercy Mercy

Righteousness belongs to God, so he is the one to whom we repent and the one who makes us right on His terms. Like the Israelites, we ask him to turn his wrath not because of anything we have done, but we are counting on Him, trusting in Him to be merciful.

The pew edition of LSB 940 doesn’t have all seven stanzas of this versification of the Te Deum laudamus, but we have them for you here. Anna Baseley and Cantor Jake Weber perform; enjoy!

Holy God, We Praise Thy Name

Holy God, we praise Thy Name;
Lord of all, we bow before Thee.
All on earth Thy scepter claim,
All in heav’n above adore Thee.
Infinite Thy vast domain,
Everlasting is Thy reign.
Hark! The loud celestial hymn
Angel choirs above are raising,
Cherubim and seraphim,
In unceasing chorus praising;
Fill the heav’ns with sweet accord:
Holy, holy, holy, Lord!
Lo! The apostles’ holy train
Join Thy sacred name to hallow;
Prophets swell the loud refrain,
And the white robed martyrs follow;
And from morn to set of sun
Through the Church the song goes on.
Thou art King of glory, Christ;
Son of God, yet born of Mary.
For us sinners sacrificed,
As to death a Tributary,
First to break the bars of death,
Thou has opened heav’n to faith.
From Thy high celestial home,
Judge of all, again returning,
We believe that Thou shalt come
On that final judgment morning;
When Thy voice shall shake the earth,
And the startled dead come forth.
Spare Thy people, Lord, we pray,
By a thousand snares surrounded;
Keep us without sin today,
Never let us be confounded.
Lo, I put my trust in Thee;
Never, Lord, abandon me.
Holy Father, Holy Son,
Holy Spirit, Three we name Thee;
Though in essence only One,
Undivided God we claim Thee;
And adoring bend the knee
While we own the mystery.

Time Out, Episode 139

Dan — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 16:15:25 +0000

Text: Ezekiel 34
Hymn: 754, Entrust Your Days and Burdens
Kretzmann Commentary: Ezekiel 34
Bonus Bumper: Louis Armstrong, Ezekiel Saw De Wheel

With leaders like these, who needs enemies? As in last week’s episode, Israel was lead astray by its religious leaders, and the shepherds weren’t even guarding the sheep. Nobody is going to save Israel and the church but God alone.

This message ties in well with Hymn 754, “Entrust Your Days and Burdens.” Professor Stephen R. Johnson took a Paul Gerhardt text and wrote his own tune for it. It’s not particularly Trinitarian, but it is always good to trust in God rather than princes, televangelists, and vision casters.

Text (sts. 1-5): © 1982 Concordia Publishing House; (st. 6): © 2006 Concordia Publishing House
Music: © 2002 Stephen R. Johnson. Used with permission.
All rights reserved.
Podcast under OneLicense.Net A-718131.

Entrust Your Days and Burdens

Entrust your days and burdens
To God’s most loving hand;
He cares for you while ruling
The sky, the sea, the land.
For He who guides the tempests
Along their thund’rous ways
Will find for you a pathway
And guide you all your days.
Rely on God your Savior
And find your life secure.
Make His work your foundation
That your work may endure.
No anxious thought, no worry,
No self-tormenting care
Can win your Father’s favor;
His heart is moved by prayer.
Take heart, have hope, my spirit,
And do not be dismayed;
God helps in ev’ry trial
And makes you unafraid.
Await His time with patience
Through darkest hours of night
Until the sun you hoped for
Delights your eager sight.
Leave all to His direction;
His wisdom rules for you
In ways to rouse your wonder
At all His love can do.
Soon He, His promise keeping,
With wonder-working pow’rs
Will banish from your spirit
What gave you troubled hours.
O blessèd heir of heaven,
You’ll hear the song resound
Of endless jubilation
When you with life are crowned.
In your right hand your maker
Will place the victor’s palm,
And you will thank Him gladly
With heaven’s joyful psalm.
Our hands and feet, Lord, strengthen;
With joy our spirits bless
Until we see the ending
Of all our life’s distress.
And so throughout our lifetime
Keep us within Your care
And at our end then bring us
To heav’n to praise You there.

Time Out, Episode 138

Dan — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 16:15:05 +0000

Text: Jeremiah 23
Hymn: 544, O Love, How Deep
Kretzmann Commentary: Jeremiah 23
Bonus Bumper: Mendelssohn, Elijah, “Is Not His Word Like a Fire”

Two good things going on in Jeremiah 23: The Lord will raise up a Righteous Branch in whose days Judah will be saved, and a blistering warning from the Lord about prophets speaking visions of their own minds and ascribing them to the Lord.

544 came to us as the Hymn of the Day for October 2. It’s a hymn soaked in Gospel and set to a great true, emphasizing everything Christ went through in order to purchase our redemption. Thanks be to God, that we can be counted as sons and daughters of the Most High!

O Love, How Deep

O love, how deep, how broad, how high,
Beyond all thought and fantasy,
That God, the Son of God, should take
Our mortal form for mortals’ sake!
He sent no angel to our race,
Of higher or lower place,
But wore the robe of human frame,
And to this world Himself He came.
For us baptized, for us He bore
His holy fast and hungered sore;
For us temptation sharp He knew;
For us the tempter overthrew.
For us He prayed; for us He taught;
For us His daily works He wrought,
By words and signs and actions thus
Still seeking not Himself but us.
For us by wickedness betrayed,
For us, in crown of thorns arrayed,
He bore the shameful cross and death;
For us He gave His dying breath.
For us He rose from death again;
For us He went on high to reign;
For us He sent His Spirit here
To guide, to strengthen, and to cheer.
All glory to our Lord and God
For love so deep, so high, so broad;
The trinity whom we adore
Forever and forevermore.

Time Out, Episode 137

Dan — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 16:15:08 +0000

Text: Isaiah 66
Hymn: 614, “As Surely as I Live,” God Said
Kretzmann Commentary: Isaiah 66
Bonus Bumper: Globus, Epicon, “Diem Ex Dei”

Our last chapter in the Isaiah series warns Israel and us about the coming final judgement. The glory of the Lord is not something the sinful man wants to see: anger, fire, rebuke, sword, slaying, and whirlwind, and their ceremonies cannot save them. Only the Son of God, human so that he could take our place, divine so that he could bear all of this judgement, saves us from the coming doom and makes us God’s people.

We don’t hear LSB 614 all that often; I’m willing to bet four flats worry some accompanists. The lyrics in this hymn are its own sermon. God does not want us damned but repentant. He gives us His absolution as ultimate assurance that we are his.

“As Surely as I Live,” God Said

“As surely as I live,” God said,
“I would not see the sinner dead.
I want him turned from error’s ways,
Repentant, living endless days.”
And so our Lord gave this command:
“Go forth and preach in ev’ry land;
Bestow on all My pard’ning grace
Who will repent and mend their ways.
“All those whose sins you thus remit
I truly pardon and acquit,
And those whose sins you will retain
Condemned and guilty shall remain.
“What you will bind, that bound shall be;
What you will loose, that shall be free;
To My dear Church the keys are giv’n
To open, close the gates of heav’n.”
The words which absolution give
Are His who died that we might live;
The minister whom Christ has sent
Is but His humble instrument.
When ministers lay on their hands,
Absolved by Christ the sinner stands
He who by grace the Word believes
The purchase of His blood receives.
All praise to You, O Christ, shall be
For absolution full and free,
In which You show Your richest grace;
From false indulgence guard our race.
Praise God the Father and the Son
And Holy Spirit, Three in One,
As was, is now, and so shall be
World without end, eternally!

Time Out, Episode 136

Dan — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 16:15:17 +0000

Text: Isaiah 63
Hymn: 853, How Clear is Our Vocation, Lord
Kretzmann Commentary: Isaiah 63
Bonus Bumper: Mormon Tabernacle Choir, Battle Hymn of the Republic

The holy comes to annihilate the unholy; naturally, we’re the unholy! This is a scary thing, were it not for Christ’s own purchase of us. Dr. Paul E. Kretzmann has a gem at the end of his commentary:

One of the most effective forms of praying is that of taking the Lord aside, as it were, and reminding Him of His promises, to hold Him to His Word.

Anna Baseley and Cantor Jake Weber perform our hymn this week. The text with the melody is a bit tricky; I appreciate their work with this hymn. Note the final prayer; it’s a good one.

Text: © 1982 Hope Publishing Co. All rights reserved.
Podcast under OneLicense.Net A-718131.

How Clear Is Our Vocation, Lord

How clear is our vocation, Lord,
When once we heed Your call:
To live according to Your Word
And daily learn, refreshed, restored,
That You are Lord of all
And will not let us fall.
But if, forgetful, we should find
Your yoke is hard to bear;
If worldly pressures fray the mind,
And love itself cannot unwind
Its tangled skein of care:
Our inward life repair.
We marvel how Your saints become
In hindrances more sure;
Whose joyful virtues put to shame
The casual way we wear Your name
And by our faults obscure
Your pow’r to cleanse and cure.
In what You give us, Lord, to do
Together or alone,
In old routines or ventures new,
May we not cease to look to You,
The cross You hung upon–
All You endeavored done.

Time Out, Episode 135

Dan — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 16:15:25 +0000

Text: Isaiah 61
Hymn: 954, We All Believe in One True God
Kretzmann Commentary: Isaiah 61
Bonus Bumper: He Has Clothed Me (Isaiah 61:10)

It is nearly impossible to read the beginning of Isaiah 61 without thinking of Luke 4 — where Jesus Christ, in the temple, lay claim to the title of Messiah in front of those in the synagogue at Nazareth. We are the poor, the captives, the blind, the oppressed, and the Anointed One has come to set us free. The year of Jubilee happens every seven years, but the year of Christ’s Jubilee lasts forever.

I have been blessed with twin girls that love to sing, and hymns, no less. I hope you enjoy this hymn as much we enjoyed making it. I love how strong this hymn is: a creed that happens to have a tune.

We All Believe in One True God

We all believe in one true God,
Who created earth and heaven,
The Father, who to us in love
Has the right of children given.
He in soul and body feeds us;
All we need His hand provides us;
Through all snares and perils leads us,
Watching that no harm betide us.
He cares for us by day and night,
All things are governed by His might.
We all believe in Jesus Christ,
His own Son, our Lord, possessing
An equal Godhead, throne, and might,
Source of every grace and blessing.
Born of Mary, virgin mother,
By the power of the Spirit,
Word made flesh, our elder brother,
That the lost might life inherit.
Was crucified for all our sin
And raised by God to life again.
We all confess the Holy Ghost,
Who, in highest heaven dwelling
With God the Father and the Son,
Comforts us beyond all telling;
Who the Church, His own creation,
Keeps in unity of spirit.
Here forgiveness and salvation
Daily come through Jesus’ merit.
All flesh shall rise, and we shall be
In bliss with God eternally.
Amen, amen.

Time Out, Episode 134

Dan — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 16:15:31 +0000

Text: Isaiah 42
Hymn: 820, My Soul, Now Praise Your Maker
Kretzmann Commentary: Isaiah 42
Bonus Bumper: Prelude from “Alleluia! Jesus Is Risen,” Cantor Jacob Weber

The Lord’s chosen Servant brings justice to the nations, by opening the eyes of the blind and the ears of the deaf, by freeing those who sit locked in darkness, by living the life without sin and dying on the cross in our place. Even still, Israel and the heathen do not see.

The hymn begins as if it were about me and what I’m doing, but starting with “Who makes you full partaker…” it goes into what God has done for us. Praise Him forever reigning, all you who hear His Word!

My Soul, Now Praise Your Maker

My soul, now praise your Maker!
Let all within me bless His name
Who makes you full partaker
Of mercies more than you dare claim.
Forget Him not whose meekness
Still bears with all your sin,
Who heals your ev’ry weakness,
Renews your life within;
Whose grace and care are endless
And saved you through the past;
Who leaves no suff’rer friendless
But rights the wronged at last.
He offers all His treasure
Of justice, truth, and righteousness,
His love beyond all measure,
His yearning pity o’er distress;
Nor treats us as we merit
But sets His anger by.
The poor and contrite spirit
Finds His compassion nigh;
And high as heav’n above us,
As dawn from close of day,
So far, since He has loved us,
He puts our sins away.
For as a tender father
Has pity on His children here,
God in His arms will gather
All who are His in childlike fear.
He knows how frail our powers,
Who but from dust are made.
We flourish like the flowers,
And even so we fade;
The wind but through them passes,
And all their bloom is o’er.
We wither like the grasses;
Our place knows us no more.
His grace remains forever,
And children’s children yet shall prove
That God forsakes them never
Who in true fear shall seek His love.
In heav’n is fixed His dwelling,
His rule is over all;
O hosts with might excelling,
With praise before Him fall.
Praise Him forever reigning,
All you who hear His Word—
Our life and all sustaining.
My soul, O praise the Lord!

Time Out, Episode 133

Dan — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 16:15:34 +0000

Text: Isaiah 9
Hymn: 656, A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
Kretzmann Commentary: Isaiah 9
Bonus Bumper: Handel, Messiah, “The People That Walked in Darkness”

We begin several weeks of Isaiah with chapter 9, filled with Messianic prophecy and civil war. Three times Isaiah notes, “For all this his anger has not turned away, and his hand is stretched out still.” Some people argue that a loving God wouldn’t send people to Hell. Well, would you keep these warring factions around in Heaven without atoning for them?

656 is one of those hymns that Cantor Beethe and I have reservations on doing, since there are other accompanists and vocalists who have already done a better job. We got some help this time, from Molly Leithart.

A Mighty Fortress Is Our God

A mighty fortress is our God,
A trusty shield and weapon;
He helps us free from ev’ry need
That hath us now o’ertaken.
The old evil foe
Now means deadly woe;
Deep guile and great might
Are his dread arms in fight;
On earth is not his equal.
With might of ours can naught be done,
Soon were our loss effected;
But for us fights the valiant One,
Whom God Himself elected.
Ask ye, who is this?
Jesus Christ it is,
Of Sabaoth Lord,
And there’s none other God;
He holds the field forever.
Though devils all the world should fill,
All eager to devour us,
We tremble not, we fear no ill,
They shall not overpow’r us.
This world’s prince may still
Scowl fierce as he will,
He can harm us none.
He’s judged; the deed is done;
One little word can fell him.
The Word they still shall let remain
Nor any thanks have for it;
He’s by our side upon the plain
With His good gifts and Spirit.
And take they our life,
Goods, fame, child and wife,
Though these all be gone,
Our vict’ry has been won;
The Kingdom ours remaineth.

Time Out, Episode 132

Dan — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 16:15:31 +0000

Text: Psalm 145
Hymn: 645, Built on the Rock
Kretzmann Commentary: Psalm 145
Bonus Bumper: Phillip Magness, Sing the Faith (iTunes, CD) “Asking a Blessing, Verse”

The Lord is near to all who call on him in truth. Thanks be to God who gives us this truth and gives us the words to recount his mighty deeds. He preserves all who love Him on account of the Son’s death and resurrection, but all the wicked he will destroy. He’s good but not safe.

645 is one of our most popular hymns, and we have a new guest vocalist: Claire Hulsether, also from Zion-Columbus. It was a nice opportunity to explore some of the harmony in the hymn.

Built on the Rock

Built on the Rock the Church shall stand
Even when steeples are falling.
Crumbled have spires in ev’ry land;
Bells still are chiming and calling.
Calling the young and old to rest,
But above all the souls distressed,
Longing for rest everlasting.
Surely in temples made with hands
God, the Most High, is not dwelling;
High above earth His temple stands,
All earthly temples excelling.
Yet He who dwells in heav’n above
Chooses to live with us in love,
Making our bodies His temple.
We are God’s house of living stones,
Built for His own habitation.
He through baptismal grace us owns
Heirs of His wondrous salvation.
Were we but two His name to tell,
Yet He would deign with us to dwell
With all His grace and his favor.
Here stands the font before our eyes,
Telling how God has received us.
The altar recalls Christ’s sacrifice
And what His Supper here gives us.
Here sound the Scriptures that proclaim
Christ yesterday, today, the same,
And evermore, our Redeemer.
Grant, then O God, Your will be done,
That, when the church bells are ringing,
Many in saving faith may come
Where Christ His message is bringing:
“I know My own; My own know Me.
You, not the world, My face shall see.
My peace I leave with you. Amen.”

Time Out, Episode 131

Dan — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 16:15:09 +0000

Text: Psalm 110
Hymn: 528, Oh, for a Thousand Tongues to Sing
Kretzmann Commentary: Psalm 110
Bonus Bumper: Schütz, Psalm 110, Les Sacqueboutiers de Toulouse

The Lord will execute judgment among the heathen nations, filling them with corpses, shattering chiefs over the wide earth. He does this with his own death, shattering Satan’s ability to accuse and demand that God’s creation burn in Hell with Satan. The state of our unfaithfulness is covered and broken by Christ’s substitution in our place.

Good gospel in the hymn today: He breaks the power of canceled sin, setting the prisoner free — His blood avails for me. Not a qualifying adverb in the house. Mark Fergues joins us on a hymn he requested.

Oh, for a Thousand Tongues to Sing

Oh, for a thousand tongues to sing
My great Redeemer’s praise,
The glories of my God and King,
The triumphs of His grace!
My gracious Master and my God,
Assist me to proclaim,
To spread through all the eart abroad,
The honors of Thy name.
Jesus! The name that charms our fears,
That bids our sorrows cease;
‘Tis music in the sinner’s ears,
‘Tis life and health and peace.
He breaks the pow’r of cancelled sin;
He sets the pris’ner free.
His blood can make the foulest clean;
His blood avails for me.
Look unto Him, ye nations; own
Your God, ye fallen race.
Look and be saved through faith alone,
Be justified by grace.
See all your sins on Jesus laid;
The Lamb of God was slain.
His soul was once an off’ring made
For ev’ry soul of man.
To God all glory, praise, and love
Be now and ever giv’n
By saints below and saints above,
The church in earth and heav’n.

Time Out, Episode 130

Dan — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 16:15:16 +0000

Text: Psalm 89
Hymn: 717, Eternal Father, Strong to Save (1, 2*, 3*, 4)
Kretzmann Commentary: Psalm 89
Bonus Bumper: St. Peter’s Basilica, Psalm 89

The first 37 verses, high praises to God; 13 out of the last 14, the wrath against the Anointed. Holy and righteous is God, and for us to have any part of that, our sins must be completely atoned for. He is cast off and rejected, plundered, short-lived, all that we may be His own.

We were following the 3-year lectionary when we chose 717, and I chose the Navy Hymn verses because we didn’t have the copyright for verses 2 and 3. We hope that anyone affected by the attack our Navy SEALs as well as anyone with ties to the military take comfort in this hymn and pray for those who remain in peril.

Eternal Father, Strong to Save (Navy Hymn)

Eternal Father, strong to save,
Whose arm hath bound the restless wave,
Who bidd’st the mighty ocean deep
Its own appointed limits keep:
O hear us when we cry to Thee
For those in peril on the sea.
O Christ, whose voice the waters heard
And hushed their raging at They word,
Who walkedst on the foaming deep
And calm amid its rage didst sleep:
O hear us when we cry to Thee
For those in peril on the sea.
Most Holy Spirit, who didst brood
Upon the chaos dark and rude,
And bid its angry tumult cease,
And give, for wild confusion, peace:
O hear us when we cry to Thee
For those in peril on the sea.
O Trinity of love and pow’r,
Our people shield in danger’s hour;
From rock and tempest, fire and foe,
Protect them wheresoe’er they go;
Thus evermore shall rise to Thee
Glad praise from air and land and sea.

Time Out, Episode 129

Dan — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 16:15:07 +0000

Text: Psalm 72
Hymn: 642, O Living Bread from Heaven
Kretzmann Commentary: Psalm 72
Bonus Bumper: Nederland Zingt, “Zijn Naam moet eeuwig eer ontvangen”

“He delivers the needy when he calls, the poor and him who has no helper.” Our God is a god of mercy and forgiveness, calling our helpless selves to salvation. Precious is our blood in his sight, and he redeems our blood with the blood of Christ.

It’s not often we get a Praetorius tune outside of the Christmas season, but here it is! This hymn is about the Lord’s Supper, the forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation that is found in, with, and under the bread/body and the wine/blood. “This food can death destroy,” something no mere symbol can accomplish.

O Living Bread from Heaven

O living Bread from heaven,
How well You feed Your guest!
The gifts that You have given
Have filled my heart with rest.
Oh, wondrous food of blessing,
Oh, cup that heals our woes!
My heart, this gift possessing,
With praises overflows.
My Lord, You here have led me
To this most holy place
And with Yourself have fed me
With treasures of Your grace;
For You have freely given
What earth could never buy,
The bread of life from heaven,
That now I shall not die.
You gave me all I wanted;
This food can death destroy.
And You have freely granted
The cup of endless joy.
My Lord, I do not merit
The favor You have shown,
And all my soul and spirit
Bow down before Your throne.
Lord, grant me then, thus strengthened
With heav’nly food, while here
My course on earth is lengthened,
To serve with holy fear.
And when You call my spirit
To leave this world below,
I enter, through Your merit,
Where joys unmingled flow.

Time Out, Episode 128

Dan — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 16:15:57 +0000

Text: Psalm 69
Hymn: 556, Dear Christians, One and All Rejoice, vv. 6-10
Kretzmann Commentary: Psalm 69
Bonus Bumper: Soundtrack of Jesus of Nazareth, “Jerusalem”

“What I did not steal, must I now restore?” The Messiah restores you and me through his vicarious substitutionary atonement, which we read a good deal about in Psalm 69.

“The Son obeyed His Father’s will.” Not because God the Father is an abusive dad, but because our sin is completely incompatible with God’s holiness. Total damage had to be repaired. Debt had to be repaid. Wrong had to be set right. Great Law and Gospel in one of my favorite hymns.

Dear Christians, One and All, Rejoice

The Son obeyed His Father’s will,
Was born of virgin mother;
And God’s good pleasure to fulfill,
He came to be my brother.
His royal pow’r disguised He bore;
A servant’s form, like mine, He wore
To lead the devil captive.
To me He said: “Stay close to Me,
I am your rock and castle.
Your ransom I Myself will be;
For you I strive and wrestle.
For I am yours, and you are Mine,
And where I am, you may remain;
The foe shall not divide us.
“Though he will shed My precious blood,
Me of My life bereaving,
All this I suffer for your good;
Be steadfast and believing.
Life will from death the vict’ry win;
My innocence shall bear your sin,
And you are blest forever.
“Now to My Father I depart,
From earth to heav’n ascending,
And, heavn’ly wisdom to impart,
The Holy Spirit sending;
In trouble He will comfort you
And teach you always to be true
And into truth shall guide you.
“What I on earth have done and taught
Guide all your life and teaching;
So shall the kingdom’s work be wrought
and honored in your preaching.
But watch lest foes with base alloy
The heavn’ly treasure should destroy;
This final word I leave you.”

Time Out, Episode 127

Dan — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 16:15:58 +0000

Text: Psalm 68
Hymn: 556, Dear Christians, One and All Rejoice, vv. 1-5
Kretzmann Commentary: Psalm 68
Bonus Bumper: Handel, Messiah, “The Lord Gave the Word”

“God settles the solitary in a home,” reminds me of John 14, where Jesus promises to prepare a place for us. He leads us, the prisoners, into eternal life and prosperity with him. Come, Lord Jesus!

Another hymn in two parts. Cantor Beethe and I take the first five verses, and Anna and Cantor Weber take the last five next week. One of my favorites.

Dear Christians, One and All, Rejoice

Dear Christians, one and all, rejoice,
With exultation springing,
And with united heart and voice
And holy rapture singing,
Proclaim the wonders God hath done,
How His right arm the victory won.
What price our ransom cost Him!
Fast bound in Satan’s chains I lay;
Death brooded darkly o’er me.
Sin was my torment night and day;
In sin my mother bore me.
But daily deeper still I fell;
My life become a living hell,
So firmly sin possessed me.
My own good works all came to naught,
No grace or merit gaining;
Free will against God’s judgment fought,
Dead to all good remaining.
My fears increased till sheer despair
Left only death to be my share;
The pangs of hell I suffered.
But God beheld my wretched state
Before the world’s foundation,
And mindful of His mercies great,
He planned for my salvation.
He turned to me a father’s heart;
He did not choose the easy part
But gave His dearest treasure.
God said to His belovéd son:
“It’s time to have compassion.
Then go, bright jewel of My crown,
And bring to all salvation;
From sin and sorrow set them free,
Slay bitter death for them that they
May live with You forever.”

Time Out, Episode 126

Dan — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 16:15:10 +0000

Text: Psalm 45
Hymn: 725, Children of the Heavenly Father
Kretzmann Commentary: Psalm 45
Bonus Bumper: Three Dog Night, “Old Fashioned Love Song”

“Forget your people and your father’s house, and the king will desire your beauty.” What repentance and gospel! Without Christ we are of our father the devil, but because we are paid for we are now God’s. We are desirable because of Christ’s action on the cross, justified by faith alone, forsaking the old ways of behavior and thinking.

This week, a classic. This performance was better than last August’s LSB 593, which used the same tune, but I sang flat in a couple of areas. Many, many people know the first verse, but all the verses are worth examining. He is never severed from us. He never forsakes us. He preserves us pure and holy for eternity.

Text: © Augsburg Publishing House
Podcast under OneLicense.Net A-718131.

Children of the Heavenly Father

Children of the heav’nly Father
Safely in His bosom gather;
Nestling bird nor start in heaven
Such a refuge e’er was given.
God His own doth tend and nourish;
In his holy courts they flourish.
From all evil things He spares them;
In His mighty arms He bares them.
Neither life nor death shall ever
From the Lord His children sever;
Unto them His grace he showeth,
And their sorrows all He knoweth.
Thought He giveth or He taketh,
God His children ne’er forsaketh;
His the loving purpose solely
To preserve them pure and holy.

Time Out, Episode 125

Dan — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 16:15:20 +0000

Text: Psalm 40
Hymn: 636, “Soul, Adorn Yourself with Gladness,” vv. 5-8
Kretzmann Commentary: Psalm 40
Bonus Bumper: Fauré, Requiem, “Libera Me”

When reading Psalm 40, it’s fairly easy to be conflicted. Blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust? I delight to do your will? Your law is within my heart? This isn’t me, certainly not all the time.

Hebrews 10:5-7 makes it clear that this is Christ speaking through David. This is most excellent news. Christ’s righteousness is our righteousness. His death and resurrection makes the Lord our trust. We delight to do His will in thankfulness.

Stay tuned after the Kretzmann Commentary for the Overtime segment.

Text (st. 5): © 1978 Lutheran Book of Worship
Podcast under OneLicense.Net A-718131.

Soul, Adorn Yourself with Gladness

Jesus, source of lasting pleasure,
Truest friend, and dearest treasure,
Peace beyond all understanding,
Joy into all life expanding:
Humbly now, I bow before You;
Love incarnate, I adore You;
Worthily let me receive You
And, so favored, never leave You.
Jesus, sun of life, my splendor,
Jesus, friend of friends, most tender,
Jesus, joy of my desiring,
Fount of life, my soul inspiring:
AT Your feet I cry, my maker,
Let me be a fit partaker
Of this blesséd food from heaven,
For our good, Your glory, given.
Lord, by love and mercy driven,
You once left Your throne in heaven
On the cross for me to languish
And to die in bitter anguish.
To forego all joy and gladness
And to shed Your blood in sadness.
By this blood redeemed and living
Lord, I praise You with thanksgiving.
Jesus, bread of life, I pray You,
Let me gladly here obey You.
By Your love I am invited,
Be Your love with love requited;
By this Supper let me measure,
Lord, how vast and deep love’s treasure.
Through the gift of grace You give me
As Your guest in heav’n receive me.

Time Out, Episode 124

Dan — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 16:15:35 +0000

Text: Psalm 24
Hymn: 636, “Soul, Adorn Yourself with Gladness,” vv. 1-4
Kretzmann Commentary: Psalm 24
Bonus Bumper: Handel, Messiah, “Lift Up Your Heads, O Ye Gates”

I had mentioned on Issues, Etc., that some psalms are pretty on their own but really come out when read in a Christological light. This is one of those psalms.

“He will receive blessing from the LORD and righteousness from the God of his salvation.” Via the cross. Good stuff.

Anna Baseley and Cantor Jake Weber take the first four verses of “Soul, Adorn Yourself with Gladness.” Cantor Beethe and I will take the last four next week.

Soul, Adorn Yourself with Gladness

Soul, adorn yourself with gladness,
Leave the gloomy haunts of sadness,
Come into the daylight’s splendor,
There with joy your praises render.
Bless the One whose grace unbounded
This amazing banquet founded;
He, though heav’nly, high and holy,
Deights to dwell with you most lowly.
Hasten as a bride to meet Him,
And with loving rev’rence greet Him.
For with words of life immortal
He is knocking at your portal.
Open wide the gates before Him,
Saying, as you there adore Him:
Grandt, Lord, that I now receive You,
That I nevermore will leave You.
He who craves a precious treasure
Neither cost nor pain will measure;
But the priceless gifts of heaven
God to us has freely given.
Though the wealth of earth were proffered,
None could buy the gifts here offered:
Christ’s true body, for you riven,
And His blood, for you once given.
Now in faith I humbly ponder
Over this surpassing wonder
That the bread of life is boundless
Though the souls it feeds are countless:
With the choicest wine of heaven
Christ’s own blood to us is given.
Oh, most glorious consolation,
Pledge and seal of my salvation!

Time Out, Episode 123

Dan — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 16:15:11 +0000

Text: Psalm 19
Hymn: 506, Glory Be to God the Father
Kretzmann Commentary: Psalm 19
Bonus Bumper: Handel, Messiah, “Their Sound Is Gone Out”

“Who can discern his errors?” That’s what friends are for, right? Actually, that’s what God is for, and not only can He tell us our errors, He forgives them, for the sake of the Lamb.

Following Trinity Sunday, we have Hymn 506, which sources Jude and Revelation for its text.

Glory Be to God the Father

Glory be to God the Father,
Glory be to God the Son,
Glory be to God the Spirit:
Great Jehovah, Three in One!
Glory, glory
While eternal ages run!
Glory be to Him who loved us,
Washed us from each spot and stain;
Glory be to Him who bought us,
Made us kings with Him to reign!
Glory, glory
To the Lamb that once was slain!
Glory to the King of angels,
Glory to the Church’s King,
Glory to the King of nations,
Heav’n and earth, your praises bring!
Glory, glory
To the King of glory sing!
Glory blessing, praise eternal!
Thus the choir of angels sings;
Honor, riches, pow’r, dominion!
Thus its praise creation brings.
Glory, glory,
Glory to the King of kings!

Time Out, Episode 122

Dan — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 16:15:26 +0000

Text: Psalm 8
Hymn: 498, Come, Holy Ghost, Creator Blest
Kretzmann Commentary: Psalm 8
Bonus Bumper: Mendelsohnn, Elijah, “And Then Shall Your Light Break Forth”

What is the son of man, that God cares for Him, and yet sends Him to die? What kind of son is crowned with glory and honor and has dominion over all creation, and yet gives is all up to propitiate God’s wrath for us? How majestic indeed is the name of the Lord who does all this.

On this Thursday after Pentecost, we sing one of the great hymns of old, the text dating as far back as the 8^th Century.

Come, Holy Ghost, Creator Blest

Come, Holy Ghost, Creator blest,
And make our hearts Your place of rest;
Come with Your grace and heav’nly aid,
And fill the hearts which You have made.
To You, the Counselor, we cry,
To You, the gift of God Most High;
The fount of life, the fire of love,
The soul’s anointing from above.
In You, with graces sevenfold,
We God’s almighty hand behold
While You with tongues of fire proclaim
To all the world His holy name.
Your light to ev’ry thought impart,
And shed Your love in ev’ry heart;
The weakness of our mortal state
With deathless might invigorate.
Drive far away our wily foe,
And Your abiding peace bestow;
With You as our protecting guide,
No evil can with us abide.
Teach us to know the Father, Son,
And You, from both, as Three in One
That we Your name may ever bless
And in our lives the truth confess.
Praise we the Father and the Son
And Holy Spirit, with them One,
And may the Son on us bestow
The gifts that from the Spirit flow!

Time Out, Episode 121

Dan — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 16:15:08 +0000

Text: Psalm 2
Hymn: 532, The Head That Once Was Crowned with Thorns
Kretzmann Commentary: Psalm 2
Bonus Bumper: Handel, Messiah, “Why Do the Nations So Furiously Rage Together”

The next several podcasts will highlight the Messianic psalms. We hope you enjoy this study.

The nations try to flee the wrath that is to come, the one that they deserve and we deserve, the bonds and cords that drag us away to eternal damnation. But the Lord will not tolerate our evil indefinitely, and the evil will be broken and dashed into pieces. Praise the Messiah who justifies us by his blood and banishes the darkness.

This new reign of the Messiah is detailed in this week’s hymn, performed by Anna Baseley and Cantor Jake Weber.

The Head That Once Was Crowned with Thorns

The Head that once was crowned with thorns
Is crowned with glory now;
A royal diadem adorns
The mighty Victor’s brow.
The highest place that heav’n affords
Is His, is His by right;
The King of kings and Lord of lords,
And heav’n’s eternal Light;
The Joy of all who dwell above,
The Joy of all below,
To whom He manifests His love,
And grants His Name to know.
To them the cross with all its shame,
With all its grace, is giv’n;
Their name an everlasting name,
Their joy the joy of heav’n.
They suffer with their Lord below;
They reign with Him above;
Their profit and their joy to know
The myst’ry of His love.
The cross He bore is life and health,
Though shame and death to Him,
His people’s hope, His people’s wealth,
Their everlasting theme.

Time Out, Episode 120

Dan — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 16:15:39 +0000

Text: 1 Chronicles 17
Hymn: 493, A Hymn of Glory Let Us Sing
Kretzmann Commentary: 1 Chronicles 17
Bonus Bumper: Handel, Messiah, “Symphony”

Surprise, David! One of your immediate sons will build the temple, and one of your future progeny will be the Messiah and reign forever. As they say in Cleveland, what’s not to like?

Today the Church celebrates the Ascension, where Christ is seen going into the heavens but remained with his disciples and with us in His word and sacrament. “A Hymn of Glory Let Us Sing” confesses not only the ascension but his coming again, our future great reward.

We have two guests on this hymn: Molly Leithart, of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Columbus, OH, and Kantor Jacob Weber, of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Dearborn, MI.

A Hymn of Glory Let Us Sing

A hymn of glory let us sing!
New hymns throughout the world shall ring:
Alleluia, alleluia!
Christ, by a road before untrod,
Ascends unto the throne of God.
Alleluia, alleluia!
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
The holy apostolic band
Upon the Mount of Olives stand.
Alleluia, alleluia!
And with His faithful fol-l’wers see
Their Lord ascend in majesty.
Alleluia, alleluia!
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
To them the shining angels cry,
“Why stand and gaze upon the sky?”
Alleluia, alleluia!
“This is the Savior,” thus they say;
“This is His glorious triumph day!”
Alleluia, alleluia!
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
“You see Him now, ascending high
Up to the portals of the sky.”
Alleluia, alleluia!
“Hereafter Jesus you shall see
Returning in great majesty.”
Alleluia, alleluia!
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
Be now our joy on earth, O Lord,
And be our future great reward.
Alleluia, alleluia!
Then, throned with You forever, we
Shall praise Your name eternally.
Alleluia, alleluia!
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
O risen Christ, ascended Lord,
All praise to You let earth accord:
Alleluia, alleluia!
You are, while endless ages run,
With Father and with Spirit one.
Alleluia, alleluia!
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

Time Out, Episode 119

Dan — Thu, 26 May 2011 16:15:01 +0000

Text: 1 Kings 19
Hymn: 490, Jesus Lives! The Victory’s Won
Kretzmann Commentary: 1 Kings 19
Bonus Bumper: Mendelssohn, Elijah, “Behold, God the Lord Passed By”

Theology of glory and theology of cross in the Old Testament! The strong wind tore the rocks into pieces, there was an earthquake, and there was a fire. The Lord Almighty should be in there somewhere, right? No. He comes in what the KJV calls a “still, small voice.” The low whisper. He comes in the Word. Great stuff.

Good stuff in this hymn standard. For me He died. All I need God will dispense. Nothing me from Him shall sever. Faith shall cry, as fails each sense: Jesus is my confidence. A great hymn to cling to when tornadoes and other things beset us. Performed by Anna Baseley and Kantor Jake Weber.

Jesus Lives! The Victory’s Won!

Jesus lives! The vic-t’ry’s won!
Death no longer can appall me;
Jesus lives! Death’s reign is done!
From the grave will Christ recall me.
Brighter scenes will then commence;
This shall be my confidence.
Jesus lives! To him the throne
High above all things is given.
I shall go where He is gone,
Live and reign with him in heaven.
God is faithful; doubtings, hence!
This shall be my confidence.
Jesus lives! For me He died,
Hence will I, to Jesus living.
Pure in heart and act abide,
Praise to him and glory giving.
All I need God will dispense;
This shall be my confidence.
Jesus lives! I know full well
Nothing me from Him shall sever.
Neither death nor pow’rs of hell
Part me now from Christ forever.
God will be my sure defense;
This shall be my confidence.
Jesus lives! And now is death
But the gate of life immortal;
This shall calm my trembling breath
When I pass its gloomy portal.
Faith shall cry, as fails each sense;
This is my confidence.

Time Out, Episode 118

Dan — Thu, 19 May 2011 16:15:41 +0000

Text: 2 Samuel 12:1-25
Hymn: 474, Alleluia! Jesus is Risen
Kretzmann Commentary: Text: 2 Samuel 12:1-25
Bonus Bumper: Alfred Newman, David and Bathsheba – Main Title

In 2 Samuel 12, Nathan calls out David’s sin, saying, “You are the man!” Today, you are the man, and I am the man. The Lord has given us plenty, and still we want more. Like David, the Lord has put away our sin, on account of Christ.

There are two hymns in the Lutheran Service Book with the tune “Earth and All Stars.” This hymn actually mentions Christ and hammers home the future that awaits us because of His death and resurrection. Anna Baseley and Cantor Jake Weber perform. Enjoy!

Text: © 1995 Augsburg Fortress
Tune: © 1968 Augsburg Publishing House
Podcast under OneLicense.Net A-718131.
Setting from Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House. Used by permission.

Alleluia! Jesus Is Risen

Alleluia!
Jesus is Risen!
Trumpets resounding in glorious light!
Splendor, the Lamb,
Heaven forever!
Oh, what a miracle God has in sight!

Refrain
Jesus is risen and we shall arise:
Give God the glory! Alleluia!
Walking the way,
Christ in the center
Telling the story to open our eyes;
Breaking our bread,
Giving us glory:
Jesus our blessing, our constant surprise.

Refrain
Jesus the vine,
We are the branches;
Life in the Spirit the fruit of the tree;
Heaven to earth,
Christ to the people,
Gift of the future now flowing to me.

Refrain
Weeping, be gone;
Sorrow, be silent:
Death put asunder, and Easter is bright.
Cherubim sing:
“O grave, be open!”
Clothe us in wonder, adorn us in light.

Refrain
City of God,
Easter forever,
Golden Jerusalem, Jesus the Lamb,
River of life,
Saints and archangels,
Sing with creation to God the I AM!

Refrain

Time Out, Episode 117

Dan — Thu, 12 May 2011 16:15:36 +0000

Text: 1 Samuel 7
Hymn: 909, Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation
Kretzmann Commentary: 1 Samuel 7
Bonus Bumper: Kantor Nathan Beethe, Ebenezer (tune from Thy Strong Word)

It’s not enough that God is to be worshiped alongside other gods; he is to be worshiped alone. Israel repents and kicks out the other gods, and God saves them. Samuel is another Christ prototype, especially as prophet and priest.

909 is a nice hymn about Christ and the church. He is the head, binding all the church in one, giving us His gifts forever.

Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation

Christ is made the sure foundation,
Christ, our head and corner stone,
Chosen of the Lord and precious,
Binding all the Church in one;
Holy Zion’s help forever
And our confidence secure.
To this temple, where we call You,
Come, O Lord of hosts, and stay;
Come with all Your loving-kindness,
Hear Your people as they pray;
And Your fullest benediction
Shed within these walls today.
Grant, we pray, to all your faithful
All the gifts they ask to gain;
What they gain from You, forever
With the blessed to retain;
And hereafter in Your glory
Evermore with You to reign.
Praise and honor to the Father,
Praise and honor to the Son,
Praise and honor to the Spirit,
Ever three and ever one:
One in might and one in glory
While unending ages run!

Time Out, Episode 116

Dan — Thu, 05 May 2011 16:15:10 +0000

Text: Judges 13
Hymn: 471, O Sons and Daughters of the King
Kretzmann Commentary: Judges 13
Bonus Bumper: G. Handel, Samson, Overture.

The birth of Samson and the annunciation to his parents isn’t as memorable as that of the Savior and the Virgin Mary, but there are cool parallels that one can draw between the two. The pre-incarnate Christ announces the type and shadow of the Christ to come, who would deliver people from the Philistines with his death.

The Easter hymns continue with LSB 471, which has a neat tune, slightly older than the one we’re used to singing.

O Sons and Daughters of the King

Refrain:
Alleluia, alleliua, alleluia!

O sons and daughters of the King,
Whom heav’nly hosts in glory sing,
Today the grave has lost its sting!
Alleluia!
That Easter morn, at break of day,
The faithful women went their way
To seek the tomb where Jesus lay.
Alleluia!
An angel clad in white they see,
Who sits and speaks unto the three,
“Your Lord will go to Galilee.”
Alleluia!
That night the apostles met in fear;
Among them came their master dear
And said, “My peace be with you here.”
Alleluia!
When Thomas first the tidings heard
That they had seen the risen Lord,
He doubted the disciples’ word.
Alleluia!
“My pierced side, O Thomas, see,
And look upon My hands, My feet;
Not faithless but believing be.”
Alleluia!
No longer Thomas then denied;
He saw the feet, the hands, the side;
“You are my Lord and God!” he cried.
Alleluia!
How blest are they who have not seen
And yet whose faith has constant been,
For they eternal life shall win.
Alleluia!
On this most holy day of days
Be laud and jubilee and praise:
To God your hearts and voice raise.
Alleluia!

Refrain

Time Out, Episode 115

Dan — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 16:15:58 +0000

Text: Joshua 3
First Hymn: LSB 460, Christians to the Paschal Victim
Second Hymn: LCL 407, Ressuscité, Christ, alléluia
Kretzmann Commentary: Joshua 3
Bonus Bumper: Theme from Crossing Jordan

Christ is arisen! Alleluia!

An Old Testament Joshua, enabled by God, brings his people to the Promised Land, crossing the Jordan River. A New Testament Joshua, Jesus, God Himself, brings His people into the inheritance prepared for them from the beginning of the world. That promise also involves water, in baptism. It fits.

Anna Baseley of Emmanuel-Dearborn and Mark Fergus of Zion-Columbus join Cantor Beethe and I for LSB 460. Pastor James May leads the singing of LCL 407 at the Lutheran seminary in Togo.

Our special video presentation of LSB 460 can be found here: http://lutherantimeout.org/460video.

Blessed Easter to you.

Christians, to the Paschal Victim

Cantor:

Christians, to the Paschal Victim
Offer your thankful praises!
The Lamb the sheep has ransomed:
Christ, who only is sinless,
Reconciling sinners to the Father.
Death and life have contended
In that combat stupendous:
The Prince of life, who died,
Reigns immortal.

Congregation:

Christ is arisen
From the grave’s dark prison.
So let our joy rise full and free;
Christ our comfort true will be. Alleluia!

Cantor:

“Speak, Mary, declaring
What you saw when wayfaring.”
“The tomb of Christ, who is living,
The glory of Jesus’ resurrection;
Bright angels attesting,
The shroud and napkin resting.
My Lord, my hope, is arisen;
To Galilee He goes before you.”

Congregation:

Were Christ not arisen,
The death were still our prison.
Now, with Him to life restored,
We praise the Father of our Lord. Alleluia!

Cantor:

Christ indeed from death is risen,
Our new life obtaining.
Have mercy, victor King, ever reigning!

Congregation:

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
Now let our joy rise full and free;
Christ our comfort true will be. Alleluia!

Ressuscité, Christ, alléluia

Ressuscité, Christ, alléluia!
Chantez de joie, tous, alléluia!
Car de la mort il a triomphé
Et l’ennemi, il l’a enchaîné!

Refrain:
Chantez de joie devant Dieu, notre Roi,
Il nous délivre tous, et toi et moi,
Jésus se donne, alléluia,
Dieu nous pardonne, alléluia!
Enseveli pendant ces trois jours,
On l’a cru mort, vaincu pour toujours.
Mais il revient, en vainqueur il sort,
Tout glorieux resplendit son corps!
Refrain
L’ange l’a dit: « Ne craignez donc pas,
Vous qui cherchez Christ: il n’est plus là!
Il s’est levé, comme il l’annonça,
Voyez la tombe où il reposa. »
Refrain
Allez et dites que Jésus vit:
Se réjouisse tout être en lui!
Ce qu’a voulu Dieu s’est accompli,
Jésus pour tous ramène la vie.
Refrain
Ressuscité, Christ, ressuscité,
Louange à Dieu pour la liberté!
Péché ou mort n’y feront plus rien:
Jésus a réconcilié les siens!
Refrain

Translation

(Provided by Pr. Charles St-Onge, Memorial-Houston)

Christ is risen, hallelujah!
Sing for joy, all, hallelujah!
For over death he has triumphed
And the enemy, he has chained him!

Refrain:
Sing for joy before God, our King,
He delivered us all, and (to) you and me
Jesus gives himself, hallelujah,
God forgives us, alleluia!
Buried for these three days,
He was believed dead, vanquished forever.
But he returns, as a conqueror he emerges,
Full of glory is his body!
Refrain
The angel said to them: “Do not be afraid,
You who seek Christ, he is gone!
He is arisen, just as he said,
See the tomb where he had been laying.”
Refrain
Go and tell that Jesus lives:
Let all things rejoice in this!
What God wanted has been accomplished,
Jesus brings life for all.
Refrain
Risen Christ Risen
Praise be to God for freedom!
Sin or death no longer have power:
Jesus has reconciled his own!
Refrain

Time Out, Episode 114

Dan — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 16:15:24 +0000

Text: Deuteronomy 5
First Hymn: 441, Ride On, Ride On in Majesty
Second Hymn: 445, When You Woke That Thursday Morning
Kretzmann Commentary: Deuteronomy 5
Bonus Bumper: CPH, Sing the Faith (CD, iTunes), Close of the Commandments 1 and 2, composed by P. Magness

The second giving of the Ten Commandments: in fact, the name Deuteronomy comes from “second law” in Latin and Greek. The decalog is not a tool to invoke God’s favor, to justify oneself in the sight of God, or to be used to procure whatever God promises Israel. That covenant was for the people of Israel, and even though they broke that covenant repeatedly, Christ kept the commandments and the full extent of the law to save both his people Israel and us. We teach the commandments because we want to do what pleases God in thanks for what he has done for us.

An old hymn for Palm Sunday and a new hymn for Maundy Thursday.

441: public domain
445: Text: © 1991 Concordia Publishing House
Tune: © 1987 GIA Publications, Inc.; setting: © 1998 GIA Publications, Inc.
Podcast under OneLicense.Net A-718131.

Ride On, Ride On in Majesty

Ride on, ride on in majesty!
Hark! All the tribes hosanna cry.
O Savior meek, pursue Thy road,
With palms and scattered garments strowed.
Ride on, ride on in majesty!
In lowly pomp ride on to die.
O Christ, Thy triumphs now begin
O’er captive death and conquered sin.
Ride on, ride on in majesty!
The angel armies of the sky
Look down with sand and wond’ring eyes
To see the approaching sacrifice.
Ride on, ride on in majesty!
Thy last and fiercest strife is nigh.
The Father on His sapphire throne
Awaits His own anointed Son.
Ride on, ride on in majesty!
In lowly pomp ride on to die.
Bow Thy meek head to mortal pain,
Then take, O God, Thy pow’r and reign.

When You Woke That Thursday Morning

When You woke that Thursday morning,
Savior, teacher, faithful friend,
Thoughts of self and safety scorning,
Knowing how the day would end;
Lamb of God foretold for ages,
Now at last the hour had come
When but One could pay sin’s wages:
You assumed their dreadful sum.
Never so alone and lonely,
Longing with tormented heart
To be with Your dear ones only
For a quiet hour apart.
Sinless Lamb and fallen creature,
One last paschal meal to eat,
One last lesson as their teacher,
Washing Your disciples’ feet.
What was there that You could give them
That would never be outspent,
What great gift that would outlive them,
What last will and testament?
“Show Me and the world you love Me,
Know Me as the Lamb of God:
Do this in remembrance of Me,
Eat this body, drink this blood.”
One in faith, in love united,
All one body, You the head,
When we meet, by You invited,
You are with us as You said.
One with You and one another
In a unity sublime,
See in us Your sister, brother,
One in ev’ry place and time.
One day all the Church will capture
That bright vision glorious,
And Your saints will know the rapture
That Your heart desired for us,
When the longed-for peace and union
Of the Greatest and the least
Meet in joyous, blest communion
In Your never-ending feast.

Time Out, Episode 113

Dan — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 16:15:38 +0000

Text: Numbers 6
Hymn: 428, Cross of Jesus, Cross of Sorrow
Kretzmann Commentary: Numbers 6
Bonus Bumper: San Antonio Vocal Arts Ensemble, Numbers 6:22-27

Numbers 6 has two very cool things: the Nazirite vow which Samson swore to, and the Aaronic or priestly blessing, which we still use to conclude our Divine Services to this day.

Lots of neat stuff in LSB 428. Two Natures in Christ. Coming from the highest of thrones before all worlds to die on a cross on Earth at the given time. The very God is abandoned.

Cross of Jesus, Cross of Sorrow

Cross of Jesus, cross of sorrow,
Where the blood of Christ was shed,
Perfect man on thee did suffer,
Perfect God on thee has bled!
Here the King of all the ages,
Throned in light ere worlds could be,
Robed in mortal flesh is dying,
Crucified by sin for me.
O mysterious condescending!
O abandonment sublime!
Very God Himself is bearing
All the sufferings of time!
Cross of Jesus, cross of sorrow,
Where the blood of Christ was shed,
Perfect man on thee did suffer,
Perfect God on thee has bled!

Time Out, Episode 112

Dan — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 16:15:22 +0000

Text: Leviticus 16:15-34
First Hymn: LSB 432, In Silent Pain the Eternal Son
Second Hymn: TLH 179, On My Heart Imprint Thine Image
Kretzmann Commentary: Leviticus 16
Bonus Bumper: Mozart, Requiem, “Sanctus”

Leviticus 16 covers the yearly Day of Atonement. There are consequences to sinning against the holy one true God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. A thief doesn’t merely confess his sin and then keep the goods he has stolen. Sin is a real offense, and it must be removed. Listen to the bonus commentary to see how Dr. Paul E. Kretzmann turns this act of violence into the Gospel.

Our two hymns cover the one sacrifice made for all sinners and our response to that Christ on the cross.

LSB 432:
Text: © 1992 Jubilate Hymns Ltd.; admin. Hope Publishing Co.
Tune: © 1988, 1997 Wild Goose Resource Group, Iona Community Scotland; admin. GIA Publications, Inc.
Podcast under OneLicense.Net A-718131.
Setting from Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House. Used by permission.
TLH 179: public domain.

In Silent Pain the Eternal Son

In silent pain the eternal Son
Hangs derelict and still;
In darkened day His work is done,
Fulfilled, His Father’s will.
Uplifted for the world to see
He hangs in strangest victory,
For in His body on the tree
He carries all our ill.
He died that we might die to sin
And live for righteousness;
The earth is stained to make us clean
And bring us into peace.
For peace He came and met its cost;
He gave Himself to save the lost;
He loved us to the uttermost
And paid for our release.
For strife He came to bring a sword,
The truth to end all lies;
To rule in us, our patient Lord,
Until all evil dies:
For in His hand He holds the stars,
His voice shall speak to end our wars,
And those who love Him see his scars
And look into His eyes.

On My Heart Imprint Thine Image

On my heart imprint Thine image,
Blessed Jesus, King of Grace,
That life’s riches, cares, and pleasures
Have no pow’r Thee to efface.
This the superscription be:
Jesus, crucified for me,
Is my Life, my hope’s Foundation,
And my Glory and Salvation.