The God Pause Daily Devotional from The Luther Seminary of Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States for Sunday, 24 April 2016 "There in God’s Garden” ELW 342
"There in God's garden stands the Tree of Wisdom" by Pécseli Király Imre; Translator: Erik Routley
1. God looked around his garden
And saw an empty place
so he looked down upon the earth
and saw her tired face
Chorus: Come with me
my weary child
may you leave your troubles far behind
you have traveled this world
down a rugged road
Child I have come to lead you home
2. He saw the road was getting rough
The hills were hard to climb
So he closed her weary eyes
And whispered...peace be thine
That day God called her home
Chorus: Come with me
my weary child
may you leave your troubles far behind
you have traveled this world
down a rugged road
Child I have come to lead you home
3. He wrapped his arms around her
And lifted her to rest
God’s garden must be beautiful
He always takes the best
Chorus: Come with me
my weary child
may you leave your troubles far behind
you have traveled this world
down a rugged road
Child I have come to lead you home
4. She was softly smiling
as they rose into the heavens
she blew us one last kiss
before she said goodbye
That day God called her home
Chorus: Come with me
my weary child
may you leave your troubles far behind
you have traveled this world
down a rugged road
Child I have come to lead you home
5. It broke our hearts to lose her
But she didn’t go alone
For part of us went with her
The day God called her home
Called her home
Called her home
Chorus: Come with me
my weary child
may you leave your troubles far behind
you have traveled this world
down a rugged road
Child I have come to lead you home
(repeat and fade)
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The text for today's hymn cannot be published due to copyright limitations. We apologize for the inconvenience.
This hymn of over-arching biblical imagery from the pen of Erik Routley was actually inspired by a hymn from Hungary. Routley was instrumental in his insistence that at least one example of a hymn from Hungarian Protestantism be included in the 1974 edition of Cantata Domino. As you examine the text, you will find--as Emily Brink suggests--a scriptural sweep which moves from Genesis to Revelation in the opening two lines. Then follow references which move from the tree to its branches--"I am the vine, you are the branches." They speak the invitation to the branches to come to "me" for blessing--and finally to all the nations to come and receive the same.
The original Hungarian tune dates from 1774 and still exists in Hungarian hymnals, but it wasn't until K. Lee Scott wrote a new tune (ELW 342) that a perfect fit was found for this great text. It was chosen as the closing hymn for the joint international conference of the Hymn Society in Halifax, Nova Scotia, in August, 2003. Enjoy it as a real treasure!
When the richness of the scriptures lies before us, imbedded in the beauty of song, it is well that we take good note and add this hymn to the treasury of our faith. Lord, you have surrounded us with great artistry; let us be quick to incorporate it into our lives and share it intentionally with others. Amen.
Paul Christenson
Retired
Master of Divinity , 1959
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