“Jesus is a Rock in a Weary Land,” ELW 333
Devotion
Refrain
Jesus is a rock in a weary land,
a weary land, a weary land;
my Jesus is a rock in a weary land,
a shelter in a time of storm.
No one can do like Jesus,
not a mumbling word he said;
he went walking down to Lazarus' grave,
and he raised him from the dead. Refrain
When Jesus was on earth,
the flesh was very weak;
he took a towel and girded himself
and he washed his disciples' feet. Refrain
Yonder comes my Savior,
him whom I love so well;
he has the palm of victory
and the keys of death and hell. Refrain
The lyrics "not a mumbling word he said" have appeared in many gospel songs from the 19th and 20th centuries. It shows up in lyrics from songs sung along the northern coast of England and in African-American spirituals. It is a memorable phrase. It is hard to contemplate anyone going through the trials Jesus experienced without comment, without complaint. In this hymn’s first verse we also learn that Jesus went to his friend’s grave and restored him to life.
As you journey through Lent are there times when you feel as though you are living in a weary land? Do you have a rock of strength and support in your life? Will you be restored? Can you live without complaint, without mumbling? Do you look to Jesus when you are weary and need "a shelter in the time of storm?"
Prayer
Jesus, is it true? Not a mumbling word? Help us to know through your life and ministry what is important. Help us as we live in times of weariness and storm to support and strengthen those who need kindness and care. Amen.