"Oh, For a Thousand Tongues to Sing” | Sixth Sunday After Pentecost

ZACHARY'S NOTES: 

Stanza 1 // Though the crowds and leaders attempt to push Christ’s promise of life aside, nothing will stop our Lord from delivering this gift to sinners. This hymn is an invitation that nothing would stand in our way to sing the “glories of [our] God and King” and “the triumphs of His grace” over all that brings us fear.

Stanza 2 // We may admire the faith of those in this weekend’s Gospel text - falling at Chirst’s feet or straining to touch His clothing - it is Christ who finally offers the Word we most need! This is a prayer that the Word of resurrection Christ has promised would “spread through all the earth” - a wonderful contrast with the conclusion of this weekend’s text. This promise is no longer kept in secret, but with God’s assistance, proclaimed and sung far and wide!

Stanza 3 // The music of the Church is to be the “life, health, and peace” of Christ, by whose name we have “charm” or delight in our “fear” and an end to all “sorrow.”

Stanza 4 // As this weekend’s Gospel text assets, the dead are raised by Christ’s speaking. Sometimes, we can think of this as Jesus’ version of magic, but this hymn suggests even the dead “hear his voice” - much like those who fight through crowds to see the Lord! This hymn even gives a place for the “mournful” to rejoice - those who have experienced death! It is these Christ has come to raise to new life!

Stanza 5 // Even those who seem to take great personal pride in seeking out the goodness of God are saved by “faith alone!” Christ says as much to the woman in this weekend’s text. To the leader, He has faith when those around Him write off Christ’s power. Likewise, we are saved only by the gift of faith God gives - by this, Jesus is “our Savior!”

Stanza 6 // When Christ speaks a word of new life, the entire Church is involved in this singing - the “saints below” and “saints above” sing hymns of praise to Jesus Christ, whether on earth or in heaven, for all are held in Jesus’ promise of resurrection and new life.

OTHER SUGGESTIONS

ELW 886 -  Oh, For a Thousand Tongues to Sing - AZMON

ELW 452 - Awake, O Sleeper, Rise from Death - AZMON

ELW 511 - Thy Strong Word - EBENEZER

ELW 607 - Come, Ye Disconsolate - CONSOLATOR

ELW 610 - O Christ, the Healer, We Have Come - DISTRESS

ELW 621 - Jesus Lives, My Sure Defense - JESUS, MEINE ZUVERSICHT

ELW 858 - Praise to the Lord, the Almighty - LOBE DEN HERREN

ELW 886 - Oh, For a Thousand Tongues to Sing - AZMON

LBW 233 - Thy Strong Word - EBENEZER

LBW 340 - Jesus Lives, My Sure Defense - JESUS, MEINE ZUVERSICHT

LBW 360 - O Christ, the Healer, We Have Come - DISTRESS

LBW 543 - Praise to the Lord, the Almighty - LOBE DEN HERREN

LBW 559 - Oh, For a Thousand Tongues to Sing - AZMON

LSB 578 - Thy Strong Word - EBENEZER

LSB 697 - Awake, O Sleeper, Rise from Death - AZMON

LSB 741 - Jesus Lives, My Sure Defense - JESUS, MEINE ZUVERSICHT

LSB 790 - Praise to the Lord, the Almighty - LOBE DEN HERREN

LSB 528 - Oh, For a Thousand Tongues to Sing - AZMON

RH 11 - Praise to the Lord, the Almighty - LOBE DEN HERREN

RH 30 - Oh, For a Thousand Tongues to Sing - AZMON

RH 185 - Come, Ye Disconsolate - CONSOLATOR