From Depths of Woe
This is what the Lord GOD showed me: behold, he was forming locusts when the latter growth was just beginning to sprout, and behold, it was the latter growth after the king’s mowings. When they had finished eating the grass of the land, I said, “O Lord GOD, please forgive! How can Jacob stand? He is so small!” The LORD relented concerning this: “It shall not be,” said the LORD.
Amos 7:1–3
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From Depths of Woe
Luther’s catechetical hymn for Confession is “From Depths of Woe I Cry to Thee” (Lutheran Service Book 607). In that hymn, Luther reminds us, “If Thou rememberest every sin, who then could heaven ever win or stand before Thy presence?” Our sins are great, and we are so very small. How could we stand before the presence of God almighty? We cannot. This was the case in days past as Israel stood before foreign armies and kings in battle. By the world’s standards, Israel should not have won very many battles. We, too, are attacked by enemies so very great and powerful. On all these fronts, we should be flattened and wiped out eternally, but we are sustained only by the blood of Christ. We are sustained and upheld by the righteous right hand of Jesus Christ. Luther’s hymn goes on to say, “Thy love and grace alone avail to blot out my transgression.” This is the God that desires everyone to live. His will is that all repent of their sin, turn from their ways, and believe the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The safe place for Jacob and for you and me is in the arms of Jesus. He pleads for you before the Father and the Father relents. He stops his wrath and showers us instead with love. He calls you his children. How can Jacob stand? Jesus must prop him and you up. It’s all Jesus for you.
Amos 7:1–3
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From Depths of Woe
Luther’s catechetical hymn for Confession is “From Depths of Woe I Cry to Thee” (Lutheran Service Book 607). In that hymn, Luther reminds us, “If Thou rememberest every sin, who then could heaven ever win or stand before Thy presence?” Our sins are great, and we are so very small. How could we stand before the presence of God almighty? We cannot. This was the case in days past as Israel stood before foreign armies and kings in battle. By the world’s standards, Israel should not have won very many battles. We, too, are attacked by enemies so very great and powerful. On all these fronts, we should be flattened and wiped out eternally, but we are sustained only by the blood of Christ. We are sustained and upheld by the righteous right hand of Jesus Christ. Luther’s hymn goes on to say, “Thy love and grace alone avail to blot out my transgression.” This is the God that desires everyone to live. His will is that all repent of their sin, turn from their ways, and believe the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The safe place for Jacob and for you and me is in the arms of Jesus. He pleads for you before the Father and the Father relents. He stops his wrath and showers us instead with love. He calls you his children. How can Jacob stand? Jesus must prop him and you up. It’s all Jesus for you.
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2023
January
Responding to GodLamentationSeek GodThe Day of the LordA Matter of FaithThe Secure and the ComplacentThe Pride of the PeopleFrom Depths of WoeVisions of FireA Plumb LineAmaziahSummer FruitA Final VisionA Word of HopeA VisionHumiliationDisplacedStanding AloofHouse of FireRestorationHeeding God’s CallOverboardInside the Great FishFor a Second TimeMessage ReceivedNot FairA Lesson on MercyWho Is Like the Lord?O Earth!Then and NowLament
February
Courtroom DramaEnemies of GodThe Lord GathersFalse ProphetsZionRestorationWise MenIn, But Not OfGod’s ReproachSurvey the CrossLook to the LordVindicationThe Lord’s DeliveranceA Merciful HymnBack AgainLord’s Wrath and CareDoom and DeliveranceThe Enemies of GodOur ConquerorWoe to the City of BloodshedNo Other God’sAre You Better?Prophecy FulfilledThe Prophet SawHow Long?God in the MidstJustice ServedThe God of History
March
Waiting for an AnswerA Dire SituationA Twisting of the TruthIn His Image and In His LikenessThe Lord’s NameThe Sin of ManFear, Love, and TrustThe Day of SalvationThe Word of the LordThe Lord’s JudgmentClear and to the PointBe SilentThe Day of WrathSeek the LordGardensRunning After Other GodsSwordsThe Kingdoms of this WorldWhere is Your Trust?The Lord’s RemnantThe Truth of His WordThe Human HeartA Song of VictoryRebuildingObedienceSurpassing GloryA Faithful ResponseLooking to the FutureReturn to the Lord!A Performative WordFour Horns