Lutheran Seminary ~ Moved By The Promise ~ God Pause ~ Sunday, 3 November 2013 ~ "Built on a Rock" ELW 652

Lutheran Seminary ~ Moved By The Promise ~ God Pause ~ Sunday, 3 November 2013 ~ "Built on a Rock" ELW 652

"Built on a Rock" is one of my favorite hymns because I think it outlines exactly how we are experiencing church in 21st century America. Many of our steeples are "falling"—if not literally, than at least metaphorically as membership declines, finances plummet, and congregations of all kinds struggle to carry on. Much can be said and much has been written about our communities of faith should approach these challenges as we continue to discern ways to join God's mission in the world more effectively in this age.
This hymn by Nikolai Gruntvig—a pastor, bishop, theologian, and reformer of the 19th century Danish church—moves the focus for turning things around away from potential implementation of great brainstorms and instead turns to remind us of God's promises in Christ. To follow Jesus is not ultimately about an effective strategic plan or finding the appropriate mission focus for our context. It is answering Jesus' question, "Will you follow me?" with a resounding "Yes."
The last verse assures us, when steeples are falling and the whole world seems to be crumbling around us, that continuing to answer Jesus' call to follow with a "yes" can give us the confidence to face any challenge. "I know my own, my own know me, you not the world, my face shall see, my peace I leave with you. Amen." Each time I sing these words I get chills.  They inspire me to get back at it, to think more clearly, to love more deeply, to connect with others more fully as we get back to living the gospel in a world that would forsake us. This hymn conjures up a vision of Christ standing beside us, patting us on the back, and saying, "Carry on church, I am with you."

Dear God, bless your church and all the people in it. Help us to live the good news of Jesus and believe it in our hearts as we meet others. Lead us by your Holy Spirit. Amen.

Geoff T. Sinibaldo
New Canaan, Conn.
Master of Divinity , 2002

“Built on the Rock, the church doth stand” Translator: Carl Doving; Author: Nikolai F. S. Grundtvig (1854)

1. Built on the Rock the Church shall stand

Even when steeples are falling.

Crumbled have spires in ev'ry land;

Bells still are chiming and calling,

Calling the young and old to rest,

But above all the soul distressed,

Longing for rest everlasting.

2. Surely in temples made with hands

God, the Most High, is not dwelling;

High above earth His temple stands,

All earthly temples excelling.

Yet He who dwells in heav'n above

Chooses to live with us in love,

Making our bodies His temple.

3, We are God's house of living stones,

Built for His own habitation.

He through baptismal grace us owns

Heirs of His wondrous salvation.

Were we but two His name to tell,

Yet He would deign with us to dwell,

With all His grace and His favor.

4. Here stands the font before our eyes,

Telling how God has received us;

Th'altar recalls Christ's sacrifice

And what His Supper here gives us.

Here sound the Scriptures that proclaim

Christ yesterday, today, the same,

And evermore, our Redeemer.

5. Grant then, O God, Your will be done,

That, when the church bells are ringing,

Many in saving faith may come

Where Christ His message is bringing:

"I know mine own, My own know Me,

You, not the world, My face shall see.

My peace I leave with you. Amen."

~~~~~~~

Luther Seminary

2481 Como Ave

St. Paul, MN 55108 UNITED STATES

651-641-3456

~~~~~~~