In today’s readings we’re presented with a range of contrasting images that paint pictures of the relationship between God and humans. The psalmist recounts a time when God restored the fortunes of the people and gave up God’s anger toward the people — followed by a cry for God to relent from anger again and to restore peace with the people again. (Psalm 85) In Hosea, we read a very harsh description of the people and God’s rejection of them (“You are Not-My-People.”); but there is still a word of promise that they will become “Children of the Living God.” (Hosea 1:2-10)

In Colossians, Paul has several instructions for those who would be children of the living God, teaching what it means to live lives in Christ Jesus. (Colossians 2:6-15, (16-19)) Finally, the reading for Luke contains Jesus’ teaching about prayer, not only giving a model in the words we know now as the Lord’s Prayer, but by teaching the importance of persistence in asking, seeking, and knocking. (Luke 11:1-13)

Like many of the weeks in the season after Pentecost, the lessons give us challenging things to think about and challenging models to follow. Words of the prophets can be harsh and judgement is hard to bear. But there is always movement away from the fear or anger or alienation that we might feel when God seems distant or cruel, as we are drawn toward the love of God made perfect in Christ and made present in lives of faith.

Vocal Music:

We are fortunate today to have Gary B with us, singing a couple songs by Antonín Dvořák. The two pieces he is singing provide us with the chance to move from distress, sorrow, and shame, to joyful exuberance in the goodness of God who has done marvelous things.

• Introit: “Turn Thee to Me” – Antonín Dvořák — Following up on the words of Psalm 85, this song is a plea for God to be merciful, to forgive wrongdoing, and to provide safety and deliverance. The text is adapted from Psalm 25.
  
• Solo: “Sing Ye a Joyful Song” – Antonín Dvořák — In response to Words of Assurance and the Sharing of Peace, the forgiven and restored child of the living God sings in exultation. The text of this song is adapted from Psalm 98.

Piano and Organ Music

We are grateful to Adelle for her pre-service music for piano.

• Prelude: “Seek Ye First” – John Carter — Capping off her pre-service music, this piano duet references the familiar folk hymn that cites one of the verses in today’s Gospel.
• Offertory: “O Savior, Let Me Walk with You” – Mark Sedio — This simple treatment of Maryton will introduce the closing hymn.
• Postlude: “Trumpet Tune in D Major” – David N. Johnson — To send us on our way today, I’m sharing this mid-20th century trumpet tune. You might recognize it, since it was used to introduce a syndicated radio program of classical and sacred music several years ago.

July 24th, 2010 Subscribe to the RSS feed!