We Sing of our Redeemer
I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the LORD!’” Psalm 122:1
What a blessing we have in the Lutheran divine service. Every part of the service reminds us of sin and grace – that despite the guilt and shame we feel because of our sin, we have been forgiven. We stand clothed in the robes of our Redeemer Jesus’ righteousness.
The most important part of the divine service is the Word presented. Every divine service includes two or three lessons read from the Bible, reminding us that “these (words) are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” (John 20:31). A little later, the pastor expounds upon a portion of Scripture, encouraging us when we recognize our hopeless state by reminding us of God’s great mercy and grace towards us. We are the redeemed children of His kingdom – ensuring His care and comfort while we are on earth with an eternal future in heaven.
The liturgy is also an important part of the service. As we confess our sins, receive the absolution, confess our faith in the Apostles’ or Nicene Creed – we are again reminded of God’s mercy and grace in redeeming and bringing us into His kingdom. Finally, we sing several hymns – carefully chosen by the pastor to reinforce the message of the Word and liturgy – each emphasizing the glorious blessing we have as redeemed children of God.
We are indeed blessed to partake in the Lutheran divine service every Sunday where we hear, rehear, and then have repeated again the blessings we have as God’s redeemed children. Upon hearing the benediction, we leave the service convinced of God’s grace and mercy.
Over the next several days we will consider some hymns from the “Redeemer” section of The Lutheran Hymnal – each which reinforces our blessings as God’s redeemed children.
Oh, for a thousand tongues to singMy great Redeemer’s praise,The glories of my God and King,The triumphs of His grace!
The Lutheran Hymnal 360:1