Sunday, October 1, 2023 - OUR TIMELESS GOD

 

"I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen." (Luther's Morning Prayer)

Sunday, October 1, 2023 - Day 274  - (Today’s Bible readings: Ezekiel 29; Psalm 90; Hebrews 3:12-29)

OUR TIMELESS GOD

“Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. You return man to dust and say, “Return, O children of man!”  For a thousand years in your sight are but as yesterday when it is past, or as a watch in the night.”  (Ps 90:1-4 ESV) 

Few things convey stability better than a castle. Of course, that is no ordinary castle in this picture. It is the Wartburg Castle, where Dr. Martin Luther translated the Bible into German and placed God’s Word in the hands of the common man for the first time.

No man-made structure, philosophy or ability can compare to the everlasting nature of God. The Apostles’ Creed begins, “I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth,” reflecting that nature. This hymn by Isaac Watts seems fitting as we witness time rolling on under the watchful eye of our everlasting God.

1 Our God, our help in ages past, 

Our hope for years to come,

        Our shelter from the stormy blast, 

And our eternal home:

2 Under the shadow of Thy throne 

Thy saints have dwelt secure;

        Sufficient is Thine arm alone, 

And our defense is sure.

3 Before the hills in order stood, 

Or earth received her frame,

        From everlasting Thou art God, 

To endless years the same.

4 A thousand ages in Thy sight 

Are like an evening gone,

        Short as the watch that ends the night 

Before the rising sun.

5 Time, like an ever-rolling stream, 

Soon bears us all away;

        We fly forgotten as a dream 

Dies at the op'ning day.

6 O God, our help in ages past, 

Our hope for years to come,

        Be Thou our guard while life shall last 

And our eternal home! 

(Lutheran Service Book, CPH 2006, #733)

Thank You, everlasting God, for being our help in ages past and our hope for years to come. Keep my faith in Jesus strong so that I may have life everlasting with You. In Jesus’ saving name I pray. Amen.

“See” you at the Communion rail this morning!

Pastor David Paape