31 July 2016

From Luther's Second Homily for Trinity X (1534)

Therefore, I am worried that Germany will also suffer a great calamity, whether at the hands of the Turks, or by some other war, hunger, or plague. When that occurs at some time in the future, then bear in mind what I have said. For God will come after Germany and us Germans just as he did after Jerusalem and the Jews. Therefore, take this example seriously to heart: Jerusalem was so terribly destroyed because it refused and despised God's Word. We must, therefore, learn to esteem and hearken to his Word, and, if we again fall into sin, to turn back and repent.

Let this be enough for today on this Gospel. And may God, the Father of all mercies, guard us against shameful and wicked despising of his Word, awakening fear of God in our hearts through his Holy Spirit, so that we abide by his Word and follow it. Amen.

(House Postils II:378, 379)

From TLH 419

O'er Jerusalem Thou weepest
In compassion, dearest Lord.
Love divine, of love the deepest,
O'er Thine erring Israel poured,
Crieth out with bitter moan:
"O loved city, hadst thou known
This thy day of visitation,
Thou wouldst not reject salvation."

By the love Thy tears are telling,
O Thou Lamb for sinners slain,
Make my heart Thy temple dwelling,
Purged from ev'ry guilty stain.
Oh, forgive, forgive my sin!
Cleanse me, cleanse me, Lord, within!
I am Thine since Thou has sought me,
Since Thy precious blood hath bought me.

O Thou Lord of my salvation,
Grant my soul Thy blood-bought peace.
By Thy tears of lamentation
Bid my faith and love increase.
Grant me grace to love Thy Word,
Grace to keep the message heard,
Grace to own Thee as my Treasure,
Grace to love Thee without measure. Amen.

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