Friday of Lent 1 – March 6, 2020 – Ephesians 3:17b-21
[1]Beyond all thought and fantasy,
That God, the Son of God, should take
Our mortal form for mortals’ sake! [2]
There are times when we associate a certain time, place, or person to a particular song or hymn. Whenever I read the lines of this hymn or sing it, I immediately remember the sainted Pr. Bill Brege with his booming bass voice. I don’t know if this was one of his favorite hymns, yet I can recall vividly, sitting next to him as he sang this hymn with much vigor and gusto.
The lines of this hymn clarify the mystery of salvation; namely that Christ, the Son of God became human for you. For your sake and benefit Christ became a man to take your place under the law, to live a perfect life, and then die in your stead to redeem, atone and save you. He has released you from the misery and tyranny of sin liberating you and setting you free.
Do me a favor, please. The next time you have opportunity to sing this hymn sing it with great passion and enthusiasm. Sing it like you mean it. That God, the Son of God, should take, our mortal form for mortals’ sake! Thank you Jesus, for your work of redemption.
Lord Christ, our eternal Redeemer, grant us such fellowship in Your sufferings, that filled with Your Holy Spirit, we may subdue the flesh to the spirit, and the spirit to You, and at the last attain to the glory of Your resurrection; who live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen. [3]
Lord Jesus, Son of the Most High God, You freed many from their bondage to demons, demonstrating Your power over the evil one. Show us Your mercy when we are overcome by the darkness of sin, death, and the devil, and protect us by Your mighty Word that does what it says; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. [4]
1. Image: The Annunciation, Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS for personal and congregational use, Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS for personal and congregational use
2. O Love, How Deep, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis
3. Collect for Friday of Lent 1, http://www.liturgies.net/Lent/LentenCollects.htm
4. Collect for Friday of Lent 1 Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis
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