Wednesday, May 09, 2007

Wisdom: Calling Us

Does not wisdom call? Does not understanding raise her voice?
-Proverbs 8:1Two questions. But what is the answer?
Does not God call? Does not Christ raise His voice?
Two questions. But what is the answer?

Jesus says: I am the one who bears witness about myself, and the Father who sent me bears witness about me.
-John 8:18

Through God’s creation, His Holy Word, the life and work of Christ and the guidance and workings of the Holy Spirit, God has called all people. Through His Church, through the faithful preaching of His pastors, through the Sacraments, God has called all people.

Wisdom has called you, God has called you to ever-lasting life through Jesus Christ. He is not a God who is far away. He is a God who reaches out to you, personally and in love.
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Today Thy mercy calls us
To wash away our sin.
However great our trespass,
Whatever we have been,
However long from mercy
Our hearts have turned away,
Thy precious blood can cleanse us
And make us white today.
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Today Thy gate is open,
And all who enter in
Shall find a Father's welcome
And pardon for their sin.
The past shall be forgotten,
A present joy be given,
A future grace be promised,
A glorious crown in heaven.
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Today our Father calls us,
His Holy Spirit waits;
His blessed angels gather
Around the heavenly gates.
No question will be asked us
How often we have come;
Although we oft have wandered,
It is our Father's home.
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O all-embracing Mercy,0 ever-open Door,
What should we do without
TheeWhen heart and eye run o'er?
When all things seem against us,
To drive us to despair,
We know one gate is open,
One ear will hear our prayer.
Amen.*
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*Hymn #279 The Lutheran HymnalText
Author: Oswald Allen, 1861
Composer: Friedrich K. Anthes, 1847
Tune: "Anthes"

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