Jesus Calls Us; O’er the Tumult (ELW 696)
1 Jesus calls us; o’er the tumult
of our life’s wild, restless sea,
day by day his clear voice sounding,
saying, “Christian, follow me”:
2 As of old Saint Andrew heard it
by the Galilean lake,
turned from home and toil and kindred,
leaving all for Jesus’ sake.
3 Jesus calls us from the worship
of the vain world’s golden store,
from each idol that would keep us,
saying, “Christian, love me more.”
4 In our joys and in our sorrows,
days of toil and hours of ease,
still he calls, in cares and pleasures,
“Christian, love me more than these.”
5 Jesus calls us! By your mercy,
Savior, may we hear your call,
give our hearts to your obedience,
serve and love you best of all.
Devotion
The author of this hymn, Cecil Frances Alexander, was known for spending her days caring for the sick and feeding the poor, no matter their backgrounds and beliefs. She ministered to them without being selective about who she helped; she just fulfilled their needs the best she could. In the hymn she holds up the example of those first disciples in the gospel reading for this week, who having met Jesus by the Sea of Galilee, having heard his call, dropped their nets, and followed Jesus on the way of discipleship and loving service to others. In the same way Jesus continually meets us and calls us to help others without reserve. That is the privilege of living in Jesus’ presence.
Prayer
“Jesus calls us! By your mercy, Savior, may we hear your call”: Open our ears to the many cries for help. Guide us to boldly serve those in need, no matter their backgrounds and beliefs, to the best of our ability. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.