Time Out, Episode 57

Text: Ruth 1:1-18
Hymn: 604, I Bind Unto Myself Today
Kretzmann Commentary: Ruth

Upon deciding which chapter in Ruth to read, I almost went with Chapter 4, because the importance of the genealogy of David and thus, Jesus Christ, but Luther swayed me toward Chapter 1. From the notes in The Lutheran Study Bible:

Ruth, who followed her mother-in-law Naomi, says (Ruth 1:16): “Your people shall be my people, and your God my God.” Although she did not belong to the holy people–for she was a Moabitess—she was nevertheless saved because she clung to faith in the God of Israel. (AE 3:133)

Saved by faith! Whoodathunkit! Old Testament Gospel for the win.

We’re actually a day later than St. Patrick’s Day at the time of this broadcast, but this wonderful hymn from St. Patrick himself was too good to pass up. St. Patrick is also the patron saint of engineers.

If you like what you hear, please visit the You Can Help page. St. Patrick’s Day is green for us for more than one reason: it’s our hosting bill date, and we could use your help.

 
Setting from Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House. Used by permission.

I Bind Unto Myself Today

1. I bind unto myself today
   The strong name of the Trinity
   By invocation of the same,
   The Three in One and One in Three.
2. I bind this day to me forever,
   By pow’r of faith, Christ’s incarnation,
   His baptism in the Jordan River,
   His cross of death for my salvation,
   His bursting from the spiced tomb,
   His riding up the heavenly way,
   His coming at the day of doom,
   I bind unto myself today.
3. I bind unto myself today
   The pow’r of God to hold and lead,
   His eye to watch, His might to stay,
   His ear to hearken to my need,
   The wisdom of my God to teach,
   His hand to guide, His shield to ward,
   The Word of God to give me speech,
   His heav’nly host to be my guard.
4. Against the demon snares of sin,
   The vice that gives temptation force,
   The natural lusts that war within,
   The hostile foes that mar my course;
   Or few or many, far or night,
   In ev’ry place and in all hours,
   Against their fierce hostility,
   I bind to me those holy pow’rs.
5. I bind unto myself the name,
   The strong name of the Trinity
   By invocation of the same,
   The Three in One and One in Three,
   Of whom all nature has creation,
   Eternal Father, Spirit, Word.
   Praise to the Lord of my salvation;
   Salvation is of Christ the Lord!