Chapter 18 - Daniel in Exile

Daniel 1-3, 6

Jeremiah 29-31

Chapter 17 - The Kingdoms' Fall

2 Kings 21, 23-25

2 Chronicles 33, 36,
Jeremiah 1-2, 4-5, 13, 21
Lamentations 1-3, 5
Ezekiel 1-2, 6-7, 36-37

Introduction to the Reading: 

Have you ever seen an accident? I remember once I was coming home from work and while stopped at a stop light on 27th & Drexel, a car went through the stop light full speed. It hit another car sending it flying into the median. In a split second it was over. Being the first one at the light, of course I had a front row seat. A few days later the insurance company asked me to relate what I remembered. I tried my best to give as many details as possible, but there were some things that I wish I had noticed - like how long the light had been turned red. While what I remember is still vivid in my mind, there was also quite a bit I didn't catch.

Today we are going to read about what you might call a train wreck. As you turn the pages, you can see it coming. The train is flying down the tracks, headed right for disaster, and you know what lies ahead, but there seems to be nothing to stop it. In fact, the Lord himself through the prophets tells  with accuracy exactly what is going to happen, yet we are headed right towards disaster. 

While this chapter can be quite depressing, there is something that we can learn. Just like car makers and insurance companies watch accidents in slow motion and analyze data from car wrecks so that they can learn from them and hopefully prevent injuries in the future, we too can learn from the fall of Judah and take lessons for our lives. 

While You Read - Following the Timeline:

   Dates                               Prophets                                             Kings               World Powers

		NAHUM    (Destruction of Ninevah)		Manasseh ·       Son of Hezekiah ·       Restores idols, high places, Baal & Ashtaroth, worship of stars, altars in temple, Moloch, astrology, and diviners ·       Every day killed some believers ·       Taken into captivity by Babylon; repents; freed and returns to Jerusalem ·       Removes idols; returns to woship of the Lord ·       Son Amon rules 2 years; wicked; killed by servants	Assyria
660 B.C.
	ZEPHANIAH (Repentance to Judah; eventual downfall of enemies; restoration)
640 B.C.				Josiah ·       Given crown by people at age 8; line of David ·       Faithful to the Lord ·       Purges ALL FORMS of idolatry in Judah and former Israel ·       Repairs temple; book of the Law found; Passover celebrated ·       Huldah prophecies that Jerusalem would be destroyed; Josiah would die young and be spared grief ·       Tries to prevents Egypt from aiding Assyria; killed in battle while young according to prophecy of Hulday ·       Lamentation of people ·       Jehoahaz made king by people; Imprisoned by Necho and dies in Egypt
			Huldah (prophetess; Josiah’s death)
620 B.C.	HABAKUK (Repentance to Judah)	JEREMIAH (Lamentations)			Babylon
				Jehoiakim ·       Made king and given name by Necho of Egypt ·       Evil ·       Paid tribute to Egypt and Babylon ·       Deported by Nebuchadnezzar ·       Son Jehoiachin briefly rules; invaded by Babylon; Royalty taken into captivity; temple plundered; made King of Babylon’s vassal; lamp of David flickering in Babylon
600 B.C.				Zedekiah ·       Son of Josiah ·       Made puppet king by Nebuchadnezzer ·       Plots against Babylon; warned by Jeremiah not to do so; attacked by Nebuchadnezzar; Jerusalem put under siege ·       Defeated; taken to Babylon; eyes plucked out ·       Judah destroyed and most inhabitants taken into captivity
	DANIEL (Prophet and Royal Advisor in Babylon)		EZEKIEL (Priest-prophet; dry bones and humongous temple)

586 B.C.

When You're Done Reading - Thoughts to Ponder:

Since I'll be leading the Bible study on Sunday, I'll save much of my commentary for then. However, as a review, let me ask you a few questions:

• Of the kings we read about, in your opinion, which was the worse? Why?
• What reasons did the prophets give as to why they weren't able to proclaim the word of the Lord? How did the Lord respond to each excuse? What excuses do you give?
• Of all the sins of the Jews, the trespass of which commandment did the prophets preach against the most in our lesson? Why do you think that is?
• If you had to pick portions of scripture that give comfort, what verses would they be? 

Prayer/Hymn:

By: Johann Franck

Lord, to you I make confession:
I have sinned and gone astray,
I have multiplied transgression,
Chosen for myself my way.
Led by you to see my errors,
Lord, I tremble at your terrors.

Though my conscience’ voice appall me,
Father, I will seek your face;
Though your child I dare not call me,
Yet receive me in your grace.
Do not for my sins for sake me;
Let your wrath not overtake me.

Your son came to suffer for me,
Gave himself to rescue me,
Died to heal me and restore me,
Reconciled and set me free.
Jesus’ cross alone can vanquish
These dark fears and soothe this anguish.

Lord, on you I cast my burden.
Sink it to the depths below.
Let me know your gracious pardon,
Wash me, make me white as snow.
Let your Spirit leave me never;
Make me only yours forever.

Chapter 16 - The Beginning of the End

2 Kings 17-19

Isaiah 3, 6, 13-14, 49, 53

Introduction to the Reading: This morning I replaced the brakes on my motorcycle. Not only did I have to replace the pads, I also had to replace the rotor as well. It actually went pretty well. I have a stand that I can put the bike on to support it so that I could take the tire off, so once I got it jacked up it was just a matter of loosening a few bolts and screws. When I've needed to remove the tire before, it was always a challenge getting the axle off because I only had hand wrenches, but for Christmas I got an air gun which loosened the bolt in no time. Now this isn't the first time that I've had the tire off nor the first time that I've changed brakes, but with a stand, an air gun, and my own tools it was definitely the easiest.


It's amazing how easy things are to do when you have the right tools. Things go better when you use the right tools. However, that doesn't mean that we always pick the right tools for the job.


We start off our reading hear about the deportation and annihilation of the Northern tribes of Israel. They definitely didn't pick the right tools: They practiced false religions. They trusted in alliances with nations like Egypt instead of the Lord. They didn't use the toolbox of God's commands.


As I worked on my bike this morning, there were times that things didn't go exactly smoothly. Usually it was because I had picked up the wrong tool - the wrong size socket or a Philips instead of a regular screw driver - and tried to make the tool fit the problem. How often don't we reach for the wrong tools in our life, instead of reaching out to the Lord for help!

Breaks Along the Journey - p. 224: As I read this section, I couldn't help but compare it the news I had been watching on CNN or FOX or some other news station. They had been covering Iran's potential nuclear power and the threat it posed. Of course they covered America's military readiness, our military presence in the region, and the position of our allies. However, never in the discussion did they talk about praying to the Lord like Hezekiah did. Our nation hasn't completely forgotten the Lord. I still remember the fervent prayers after 9/11, but isn't it interesting how quickly we forget what the most important tools are in our toolbox?


Yet what an amazing display that the Lord gave the people of Judah! Was there any doubt as to whom the glory belonged? He didn't just help his people - he conquered the enemy all on his own. You can just picture Sennacherib scurrying home with his tail between his legs whimpering. The battle is the Lord's!


Slowing it Down - p. 225: Speaking of using the right tools, what do you use to get grease and break dust off your hands? I was amazed when I first started working on vehicles how nicely oil will actually clean your hands. OK, I know there is better stuff out there for you, but you wouldn't think that dirty oil will clean your hands. I makes sense when you think about it: oil is filled with detergents so that it keeps your motor from getting too dirty. 


Speaking of dirty, I was sitting around a fire pit last night. I hate moving fire pits because you get ashes all over you. The ash just sticks to everything. It's the last thing you would think of for cleaning. Yet what do they give someone in the emergency room who has just drank a harmful substance? Liquid charcoal! It's a mess, but it absorbs all the toxic chemicals in the stomach.


Isaiah realizes he is not clean. He has a vision in which he is standing before the throne of God. When I picture God's throne, I picture it as even cleaner than after my mom has gone through and done the spring cleaning at her house (I'm definitely not as clean as her.). Isaiah knows he is a sinner. He knows he can't stand in the presence of God. He cries out, "Woe to me! I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the king, the Lord Almighty!"


So what does Isaiah need? What tool will solve his problem? Charcoal! An angel flies from the altar with a coal and touches his lips. What a strange picture to us, especially since we don't have many burnt offerings anymore. (At least I haven't been to any burnt offerings lately!) How would something dirty like coal make him clean? And yet if you realize that the sacrifice on the altar was a sign to God's people that their sins were taken away by the shedding of blood and that this was a sign to Isaiah that the sacrifice made on the altar applied to him personally, you understand what an amazing picture this is. 


As strange as it may sound, these are some of my favorite verses of scripture. One of the reasons is because they make me think of communion. Now Isaiah isn't specifically picturing the Lord's supper, but I can't help but think about communion whenever I read these words of Isaiah. Think of the similarities: (First of all, it's interesting to note that in the traditional liturgy, right before the words of Institution, we sing "Holy, holy, holy Lord God of heavenly hosts: heav'n and earth are full of your glory." Sound familiar?) In the Lord's supper, Christ, the ultimate sacrifice for sin, touches our lips. The Lord's supper is a sign for us that the sacrifice that was made on the altar of the cross applies to us and seals forgiveness for us personally. Luther, as he explains the sacrament, writes, "What blessings do we receive through this eating and drinking? That is shown us by these words: 'Given' and 'poured out for you for the forgiveness of sins.' Through these words we receive forgiveness of sins, life and salvation in this sacrament. For where there is forgiveness of sins, there is also life and salvation." 


And where there is forgiveness of sins, a sanctified desire to do good works naturally follows. Did you notice that Isaiah's lips that he was formerly ashamed of he now offers willingly for service to God? When the Lord asks, "Who will go for us?" I see Isaiah jumping up and down, flailing his arms and saying, "Oh, oh, me! Me! I'll do it! Pick me!" What a change of attitude from a man formerly terrified in God's presence.


Does the same hold true for us? Maybe we come to worship plagued by our sins in the last week. Perhaps you've heard the message of forgiveness during the sermon and perhaps even heard pastor say, "I forgive you all of your sins," at the beginning of the service after the confession. Yet, for whatever reason, you think, "Well he can't really be talking to me. He might be talking to that family in front of me. I know they are sinners, but they are really nice people. God could forgive them. But I know me. I know that I'm a mess. I'm too terrible for God to forgive me."


But then you make your way to the Lord's supper. You stand before the altar of God. Here you are in his presence as you gather with other worshipers. And what happens? He gives you his body and blood together with the bread and wine. Yes, you! The sacrifice touches your lips. The forgiveness is for you! 


I don't know about you, but when I walk away from the Lord's supper it's an amazing feeling. I want to cry out with Isaiah, "Here I am! Send me! Send me!"

When You're Done Reading - Thoughts to Ponder:
The book of Isaiah is often called the "Gospel according to Isaiah." We often talk about the four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John), which account the life of Christ. In addition, over one third of the Old Testament lessons during the Festival portions of our Church year (Advent to Pentecost) come from the book of Isaiah. Why would someone who wrote over 600 years before Jesus lived be grouped with those who wrote the histories of Jesus' life after he lived? And why would the book of Isaiah be read so much in our churches? Well after you've read our chapter today, I don't think I need to explain. Do I? Isn't it crazy how specific Isaiah gets in talking about the Savior who was still to come? Through the Holy Spirit, Isaiah's prophecies give details as precise as those who actually walked and talked with Jesus and the apostles. 


It's interesting, from a lower story perspective, the "Savior" that Isaiah pictures. Of all the tools that the people were looking for to solve their problem, is this one they would have reached for? "No beauty...despised and rejected...Like one from whom people hide their faces... stricken and afflicted....cut off from the land of the living...crush him and cause him to suffer." This isn't exactly the "hero" the Israelites were anticipating. Yet as we will find out in coming chapters (and as I hope you already know), he was perfect for the job!


It's also interesting to me, especially as we read the Bible chronologically like we are doing, that Isaiah's words come at the most unexpected time from a lower story perspective. The nation of Israel is on the brink of destruction. Isaiah himself says that they are going to be destroyed! Things look dismal at best. Yet in spite of the dark storm clouds on the horizon for God's chosen nation, the Gospel is shining brighter and clearer than ever. At the most unexpected time, God gives some of the most specific prophesies about the coming Messiah.

Have you had dark days? Does it even seem that darker days lie ahead? From a lower story perspective, we often feel that life is pretty dismal. Yet in the midst of the darkness, the light of the Gospel is shining brightly. God's upper story is still moving along: his plan to rescue us from this world of sin and bring us home to heaven is as certain as ever. When it feels like the Lord may have forgotten you, his words are still true, "Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she had borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you!" On the last day of this word, Isaiah's prophecy will find it's ultimate fulfillment, "Then all mankind will know that I, the LORD, am your Savior, your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob."

Prayer/Hymn:

Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee;Holy, holy, holy, merciful and mighty! God in three Persons, blessèd Trinity!

Holy, holy, holy! All the saints adore Thee,Casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea;Cherubim and seraphim falling down before Thee, Who was, and is, and evermore shall be.

Holy, holy, holy! though the darkness hide Thee,Though the eye of sinful man Thy glory may not see;Only Thou art holy; there is none beside Thee, Perfect in power, in love, and purity.

Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty! All Thy works shall praise Thy Name, in earth, and sky, and sea;Holy, holy, holy; merciful and mighty! God in three Persons, blessèd Trinity!

For those who like more:


Read the lessons from Isaiah that are part of the lectionary. How do they picture Jesus? How do they fit with the Gospel for that particular Sunday?

• Year A
• Year B
• Year C

Chapter 15 - God's Messengers

1 Kings 17-19

2 Kings 2, 4, 6

Hosea 4-5, 8-9, 14

Amos 1, 3-5, 9



Quicky Quiz:
I remember when I was in school how much I hated quizzes, but if I was a teacher I'd have quizzes every day. The reason is that they reinforce what you learned, and also give a good starting point for the next lesson. They set a foundation on which you can build. So let's start with a quiz. Why? Because unless you cement these answers in your brain, you are gonna get quite confused over the next few weeks.

1. How many tribes were in the Northern Kingdom?

2. Jeroboam was the king over ____________.

2. Judah was part of the Northern or Southern Kingdom?

4. Jeroboam/Rehoboam was a grandson of King David.

3. Israel was the name for the Northern or Southern Kingdom?

4. Rehoboam was king over ____________ .

5. Built an golden calves for the people to worship.

Did you get them all correct? Awesome! I knew you could do it.

Introduction to the Reading:

Last week I watched the movie Evan Almighty. For those of you who haven't seen it, or maybe have forgotten the plot, it's about a modern day Noah. The newly elected Congressman Evan Baxter (Steve Carell) is excited for his new job, but he doesn't realize God has another plan for him: to build an ark. While light on theology, it's definitely full of comedy: animals overtaking congress, Steve Carell growing a beard overnight, and a delivery from 1-800-Go-4-Wood.

While it is humorous to consider what it would be like if you had to build an ark today, it also raised a serious question for me: what would I do if God spoke to me? What would you do? Slap yourself a few times to see if you were dreaming? Quiver in fear? Wonder if someone drugged you? Pass out? All of the above?

Or I guess another question to ask is: When would you start listening? In Evan Almighty, at first Evan blows God off thinking it can't be real. Then, even though he knows it's God, he doesn't fully get that God really wants him to build an ark. Finally, even after he realizes that God is speaking to him and that he is supposed to build an ark, he doesn't follow God's order to build an ark because it doesn't fit into his plans.

In our reading today we see how people reacted when God did speak. So as we read this week, lets ask these two questions: "When God spoke, how did the people respond?" and "Would I have responded the same way?"

Time to Slow it Down - Top of Page 207 "Now they are trying to kill me too."
"In your face prophets of baal!" Right? What a total mockery Elijah has made of them, hasn't he? He's got to be riding high on emotions - feeling almost invincible, right? Ahh how fickle our emotions can be. Have you felt that way before: everything is going right and yet you feel so down. To borrow the illustration from the old fairy tale: you're sleeping on pillow top mattresses, and focusing on the pea.

Here Elijah is, with God's help having just awed thousands, including the king - having done quite literally a miracle (by the Lord's power of course) - having the backing of the creator and preserver and ruler of the universe - and how does he feel? Answer: depressed and scared. Can you relate?

So what does Elijah need? See if I were God and Elijah was scared of those who were trying to kill him, I would have shown a little muscle, thrown a few lightening bolts, and said to Elijah, "If they come after you, I got your back!"

But what does Elijah really need to know about our God? Read on to see how God wants himself to be known. Does he want to be known as a God of awesome power? Of ultimate justice? Of terrifying wrath?

Top of Page 208
So what did Elijah need to know about God? His LOVE! The Almighty comes to us in gentle whispers! Have you seen pictures with a little baby in the arms of a muscular man? That's how I picture our relationship to God: the almighty holds back his strength for the sake of those he loves. The fire of God consuming an altar didn't give Elijah peace. What Elijah needed to hear was God's promises: you aren't alone...there will be those who will take up the task after you...I will keep my word!

When You're Done Reading - Thoughts to Ponder:
So, let me ask the question again: If God spoke to you, how would you respond? I'm sure after this lesson for HIStory, we're all thinking, "Well I hope I would have believed God and done what he said." I'm pretty sure we all picture ourselves in the Shunammite's house, and not as a prophet of Baal.

In that case, let me ask yet another question: How have you responded since God has spoken to you? Now before you think that you're supposed to be having visions in the middle of the night, that is not what I mean. Did the Shunammite ever talk directly with God? No! She spoke with Elisha. But that doesn't mean that God didn't speak his word to her. He sent the prophet to speak his word on his behalf.

The Lord has given us his word as well. Pastor Ben and Pastor Andy have explained quite clearly over the last few weeks why we can trust God's word. On top of it, while Pastor Ben and Pastor Andy might not have received any visions from God, that doesn't mean they aren't prophets. In the strict sense of the word, a prophet is someone who speaks on God's behalf. Every week, when they get up on Sunday morning, the are sharing God's words with us. They are God's representatives to speak his word publicly.

So let me ask one more time: Since God has spoken to you, how have you responded?

Making it My Own:

In the movie Evan Almighty, the hardest challenge for Evan Baxter isn't building the ark. The elephants carry the logs. The monkeys fetch him nails. God delivers the wood. While it takes time, God sees to it that Evan can finish the ark in time.

What is the hardest challenge for Evan? The hardest challenge is convincing those around him that God is actually speaking to him. At first even he is quite skeptical. Then he has to tell his wife, who thinks he has lost it. Finally, when asked publicly who told him to build the ark, he squeaks out sheepishly, "God."

I'll admit that one of the hardest things for me is telling someone that they are worshiping a false God. In our nation, we are free to worship whomever we choose, but in our culture, we are looked down upon if we tell anyone that what they believe is wrong. Is that much different than Elijah on Mount Carmel? While there was the worship of Baal, the Asherahs, Molech, and countless other gods in Israel, the one thing that could get you killed was saying that there was only one true God. I can't help but connecting the parallels to today. I can understand why Elijah was scared!

So what does God want us to do? What did he want Elijah to do? ... Just remember, the God who speaks in whispers has got your back!

Hymn:

God has spoken by His prophets,
Spoken His unchanging Word,
Each from age to age proclaiming
God, the one, the righteous Lord.
Mid the world’s despair and turmoil,
One firm anchor holding fast;
God is King, His throne eternal,
God the first, and God the last.

God has spoken by Christ Jesus,
Christ, the everlasting Son,
Brightness of the Father’s glory,
With the Father ever one;
Spoken by the Word incarnate,
God of God, ere time began,
Light of light, to earth descending,
Man, revealing God to man.

God yet speaks by His own Spirit
Speaking to the hearts of men,
In the age-long Word expounding
God’s own message, now as then;
Through the rise and fall of nations
One sure faith yet standing fast,
God is King, His Word unchanging,
God the first, and God the last.

For further Study:
To see how relevant the message of Amos is to our society today check out this brief Bible study called Is Prosperity a Problem?

Likewise here's a link to a an excellent Bible study on the book of Hosea called How Forgiving Is God?

Chapter 14 - A Kingdom Torn in Two

1 Kings 12-16



Introduction to the Reading: What is the hardest decision that you have had to make? I know one of my toughest decisions was where I wanted to go to college. I think one of the reasons it was tough was because I had some time to decide, and I knew the decision could have a huge impact on my life. It made it more complicated because money was involved, and because I had lots of options.

I was super excited when I got an acceptance letter to the University of Chicago - an exceptional school that was very difficult to get into. I also knew the price was a bit out of my range. I really liked one school where the curriculum was based entirely on the great works of literature, but I wasn't as thrilled when I visited and they happened to be reading portions of the Bible - from a very critical viewpoint. It was awesome when I received a scholarship to a school in Ohio, but to be honest I wasn't very excited about the school.

I'm sure you have all had to make some tough decisions: what degree to pursue, what job to take, where to live, whether to stay or breakup with that special someone...or get married. Decisions can be even tougher when we realize the impact that they may have on others. Today we hear about some of the decisions that the leaders of God's special nation had to make, how they made those decisions, and God's opinion of their choice. Let's analyze some of those decisions and see if we can't learn from them!

Time to Slow it Down - Page 195:

• What decision did Rehoboam have to make?
• On what did he base his decision?
• Would you have made the same decision if you were in his shoes?
• Was his decision a God pleasing decision (Notice that this a different question than the one above!)

Top of Page 196:

• What decision does Rehoboam face this time?
• In this instance, what does he base his decision on?
• What do you think his advisers had been telling him to do? What do you think he wanted to do?

Top of Page 197:

• Jeroboam, king of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, seeks advise because of what problem?
• What decision does he make? Politically was it a wise decision?
• What is God's verdict of the decision? Why?

Bottom of Page 198:

• What were the consequences for Jeroboam and his family because of his decisions?
• What were the consequences for the people of Israel?

Top of Page 201:

• Do you think Asa gained or lost political popularity because of his reforms? What family troubles do you think resulted when he deposed Maakah?
• Was Asa's life easy or tough because of his decision to follow the Lord as leader?
• Why do you think the book of Kings doesn't record Asa's "achievements, all he did and the cities he built?"

When You're Done Reading - Thoughts to Ponder:
We don't know who the author of the Book of Kings is. We don't know when it was written. The book never states it's purpose either. But perhaps we can learn something from what isn't said. What do I mean by that? Well let's take a look at the king of Israel named Omri. Do you remember reading about him? Probably not because he's just briefly mentioned in the commentary in our reading. From a political historian's perspective, however, Omri would have been a world figure. He established a dynasty, made Samaria the capital city of Israel, According to archaeology, he subjugated the Moabites. Even long after his death, Assyrian records refer to him and his reign. Why does our book just mention him in passing? Well because that's what the scriptures do. In fact, the Bible only spends six verses on his reign and sums it up by saying that he, "did evil in the eyes of the Lord and sinned more than all those before him" (16:25). See, the scriptures aren't focused on the political achievements of these leaders, their administrative decisions and accomplishments, or their worldly fame and reputation. After reading today, what determined if a king was successful or not? It was whether they followed the Lord or not!

Making it My Own:
So what makes you successful? Have you made the right decisions in life? Have you chosen the right career, right investments, right schools for your kids? How would the world rate your decisions? What do your friends or family think of your accomplishments? How do you analyze your life? It makes us nervous making decisions because we know we haven't always made the right decisions in the past. As we look back, we sometimes are saddened by our decisions. Yet you know what I find comforting, even in these dark days of the Book of Kings? "Nevertheless, for David's sake the LORD his God gave him a lamp in Jerusalem by raising up a son to succeed him and by making Jerusalem strong" (Page 199). In spite of all the bad decisions - no I should say terrible decisions we have read about, God still manages to make sure the Upper Story is still playing out. What do I mean? In spite of the fact that things are falling to pieces, God's plan to bring a Savior through David's descendants is still as strong as ever. Can our failures cause God's promises to fail? Never! When I look back on my life and think, "What if..." As I analyze all the different ways my life could have played out, I realize that life could have been very different, but the end result is always the same: God stuck with me; God loves me.

Prayer/Hymn:
1789-1855 Text by Josiah Conrad

From:  THE HANDBOOK TO THE LUTHERAN HYMNAL 
St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1942)p.32 
 


1. Lord, 'tis not that I did choose Thee;
That, I know, could never be;
For this heart would still refuse Thee
Had Thy grace not chosen me.
Thou hast from the sin that stained me
Washed and cleansed and set me free
And unto this end ordained me,
That I ever live to Thee.

2. 'Twas Thy grace in Christ that called me,
Taught my darkened heart and mind;
Else the world had yet enthralled me,
To Thy heavenly glories blind.
Now my heart owns none above Thee;
For Thy grace alone I thirst,
Knowing well that, if I love Thee,
Thou, O Lord, didst love me first.