Meaning, Nature and Purpose of Christian Hymns and Music

 THE FAMILY ALTAR - F.W. Hertzberger

November 4.

"The man believed the word that Jesus had spoken unto him,

and he went his way." John 4:50.

Seeing is not believing. Seeing trusts in the evidence of the

senses, and is often deceived. Faith trusts in the sure and truthful

Word of God, and never is deceived. We all too much resemble

this nobleman of Capernaum who thought Jesus had to come in

person and lay His hand on his sick son in order to heal him.

But Jesus chides him for his weak faith, and gives him only the

word of promise: "Go thy way; thy son liveth." This word of

Jesus so strengthens* the weak faith of the nobleman that he re-

turns home, firmly persuaded that it will accomplish what Jesus

promised. And his trust in Christ's word did not deceive him.

On his return home he hears the joyful news that his dying boy

revived and grew well the very hour Jesus had said so. Now he be-

lieves with even greater and firmer trust, and brings his whole house

to saving faith in Christ. Oh, how joyfully we could go our way

through life if we would not look so often for signs of God's favor

in happy feelings of our heart or fortunate circumstances of our life,

but would simply and solely rely on the sure and infallible Word

of our Savior! But our faith grows so lamentably weak when

our sins assail us or sorrow and sickness or poverty darken the sky.

At such times we crave for a reassuring sign from God, when all

the while we have His unfailing promise: "Son, daughter, be of

good cheer; thy sins are forgiven thee." Or: "I will never leave

thee nor forsake thee." "He shall deliver thee in six troubles;

yea, and in seven there shall no evil touch thee." We ourselves

are often to blame if our faith grows weak and our hearts often

are so downcast and unhappy, because we read and meditate so

little in the precious Word of our God. Let us learn to cling

simply to the blessed Word of Jesus. Then we can also go on

our way through life comforted and rejoicing.

Lord, open Thou my heart to hear,

And by Thy Word to me draw near,

Let me Thy Word still pure retain,

Let me Thy child and heir remain.

Thy Word doth move the inmost heart,

Thy Word doth perfect health impart,

Thy Word my soul with joy doth bless,

Thy Word brings peace and blessedness.

Glory to God, the Father, Son,

And Holy Spirit, Three in One!

To Thee, 0 blessed Trinity,

                               Be praise throughout eternity!