March 21, 2018
Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence
Let all mortal flesh keep silence, and with fear and trembling stand,
ponder nothing earthly-minded, for with blessing in his hand
Christ our God to earth descending comes, full homage to demand.
King of kings, yet born of Mary, as of old on earth he stood,
Lord of lords in human vesture, in the body and the blood.
He will give to all the faithful his own self for heav’nly food.
Rank on rank the host of heaven spreads its vanguard on the way;
as the Light of light, descending from the realms of endless day,
comes the pow’rs of hell to vanquish, as the darkness clears away.
At his feet the six-winged seraph, cherubim with sleepless eye,
veil their faces to the presence, as with ceaseless voice they cry:
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Alleluia, Lord Most High!
Text: Liturgy of St. James; tr. Gerald Moultrie (1829-1865m alt.)
If I were asked to choose my favorite song in the Evangelical Lutheran Worship book, I couldn’t. I would not be able to narrow it down to only one. Way too many speak to me spiritually, emotionally and aesthetically.
But this hymn—this worshipful meditation—would be close to the top of my list. The words, fittingly matched with a hauntingly beautiful melody, call me to consider just who it is (creator of the universe and more) that we call God! And to respond with worship … with worship!
Some of my other favorites are what are called “praise” songs. And yes! Praise to our God—Father, Son and Holy Spirit—is certainly called for. Indeed, it is probably inseparable from worship.
Other old favorites contain important challenges to holy living or faithful service and witness. I could go on and on. These emphases, and many others, are important for the deepening of my faith and strengthening of my discipleship. But the words of worship voiced in this hymn need to literally infuse my very being—consciously and subconsciously—every day of my life that, together with the rank on rank of heavenly hosts, I might hold our God in awed adoration.
To realize the astonishing truth that our God is also our heavenly Father—Abba, Father (which some have said means “Daddy”)—is almost more than I can handle. My response can only be an awed and heartfelt worship! Thanks, praise, and adoration!
And so, omnipotent, high and holy God,
Beautiful Savior, we worship and adore you,
“ALLELLUIA! ALLELUIA! ALLELUIA! Lord Most High.”
Amen and Amen!
In memoriam
Wil Johnson
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