weber

Text: Isaiah 63
Hymn: 853, How Clear is Our Vocation, Lord
Kretzmann Commentary: Isaiah 63
Bonus Bumper: Mormon Tabernacle Choir, Battle Hymn of the Republic

The holy comes to annihilate the unholy; naturally, we’re the unholy! This is a scary thing, were it not for Christ’s own purchase of us. Dr. Paul E. Kretzmann has a gem at the end of his commentary:

One of the most effective forms of praying is that of taking the Lord aside, as it were, and reminding Him of His promises, to hold Him to His Word.

Anna Baseley and Cantor Jake Weber perform our hymn this week. The text with the melody is a bit tricky; I appreciate their work with this hymn. Note the final prayer; it’s a good one.

 
Text: © 1982 Hope Publishing Co. All rights reserved.
Podcast under OneLicense.Net A-718131.
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Text: Psalm 69
Hymn: 556, Dear Christians, One and All Rejoice, vv. 6-10
Kretzmann Commentary: Psalm 69
Bonus Bumper: Soundtrack of Jesus of Nazareth, “Jerusalem”

“What I did not steal, must I now restore?” The Messiah restores you and me through his vicarious substitutionary atonement, which we read a good deal about in Psalm 69.

“The Son obeyed His Father’s will.” Not because God the Father is an abusive dad, but because our sin is completely incompatible with God’s holiness. Total damage had to be repaired. Debt had to be repaid. Wrong had to be set right. Great Law and Gospel in one of my favorite hymns.

 
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Text: Psalm 24
Hymn: 636, “Soul, Adorn Yourself with Gladness,” vv. 1-4
Kretzmann Commentary: Psalm 24
Bonus Bumper: Handel, Messiah, “Lift Up Your Heads, O Ye Gates”

I had mentioned on Issues, Etc., that some psalms are pretty on their own but really come out when read in a Christological light. This is one of those psalms.

“He will receive blessing from the LORD and righteousness from the God of his salvation.” Via the cross. Good stuff.

Anna Baseley and Cantor Jake Weber take the first four verses of “Soul, Adorn Yourself with Gladness.” Cantor Beethe and I will take the last four next week.

 
Text (st. 4): © 1978 Lutheran Book of Worship
Podcast under OneLicense.Net A-718131.

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Text: Psalm 2
Hymn: 532, The Head That Once Was Crowned with Thorns
Kretzmann Commentary: Psalm 2
Bonus Bumper: Handel, Messiah, “Why Do the Nations So Furiously Rage Together”

The next several podcasts will highlight the Messianic psalms. We hope you enjoy this study.

The nations try to flee the wrath that is to come, the one that they deserve and we deserve, the bonds and cords that drag us away to eternal damnation. But the Lord will not tolerate our evil indefinitely, and the evil will be broken and dashed into pieces. Praise the Messiah who justifies us by his blood and banishes the darkness.

This new reign of the Messiah is detailed in this week’s hymn, performed by Anna Baseley and Cantor Jake Weber.

 
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