Oh, for a Thousand Tongues to Sing (ELW 886)
Devotion
1Oh, for a thousand tongues to sing
my great Redeemer's praise,
the glories of my God and King,
the triumphs of his grace!
2My gracious Master and my God,
assist me to proclaim,
to spread through all the earth abroad
the honors of your name.
3The name of Jesus charms our fears
and bids our sorrows cease,
sings music in the sinner's ears,
brings life and health and peace.
4He speaks, and list'ning to his voice,
new life the dead receive;
the mournful, broken hearts rejoice,
the humble poor believe.
5Look unto him, your Savior own,
O fallen human race!
Look and be saved through faith alone,
be justified by grace!
6To 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.
Text: Charles Wesley, 1707-1788, alt.
Through the power of Jesus, Peter raised Tabitha from death. Through the blood of the Lamb, those who suffered have been made new. They are now with the saints in heaven, worshiping the Lamb at the center of the throne. He is the Lamb who was slain. He is also their shepherd who guides them to the water of life. As this hymn proclaims, "He speaks, and list'ning to his voice, new life the dead receive; the mournful, broken hearts rejoice, the humble poor believe." We who are dead through sin, broken down by daily life, and humble and poor in spirit—we can open our ears to hear Jesus speak. Our Shepherd's voice calls us to new life. We belong to Jesus, our risen Lord. To him be all glory, praise, and love! May our singing touch the hearts of those who do not yet know Jesus as their Good Shepherd, so they, too, will believe in him.
Prayer
Almighty God, as you raised Jesus to new and eternal life, raise us up to trust and hope in you. As we sing praises to our Good Shepherd, guide us to take hold of the life he offers. Help us hear his voice amid the distractions of our days, so we can find our belonging in him and witness through our daily lives to the triumphs of your grace. Amen.