HYMN: Christ the Lord Says, “Do Not Weep”

The raising of the son of the widow of Nain (Luke 7:11-17) is a powerful text, demonstrating our Lord’s power over death itself. The Sixteenth Sunday After Trinity is an interesting mix of readings, with the OT text also the account of a resurrection, this one performed by God through the prophet Elijah. The Epistle is Paul’s encouragement to the Ephesians to persevere in tribulation. All three are beautiful texts, which means there are a great many directions in which a hymnwriter could go. I chose to focus on the Lord’s consolation to the widow—“Do not weep.” And indeed, this is more than comfort, for He proceeds to give her reason to restrain her grief. That same comfort is for us, too, and that’s where I chose to take my text. As always, feedback is love.

Christ the Lord Says, “Do Not Weep”

1. Christ the Lord says, “Do not weep,”

To the mother in her mourning.

Though in death her son does sleep,

See, new life is surely borning.

Comfort in His Word of peace:

His compassion will not cease.

2. Christ the Lord says, “Do not weep.”

He has halted death’s procession.

Here the Shepherd finds His sheep,

Brings to life His dear possession.

With one Word is grace revealed:

“Rise,” says Christ, and death must yield.

3. Christ the Lord says, “Do not weep.”

He Himself from death has risen.

He has paid death’s wages steep,

Freeing us from Satan’s prison.

Death has lost its fearsome sting,

Powerless before the King.

4. Christ the Lord says, “Do not weep.”

Now, with sorrow, hope is springing.

Death no more our joy can keep.

Saints their Savior’s praise are singing.

Christ will wipe our tears away

As we rise to endless day.

5. Christ the Lord says, “Do not weep.”

Confident of resurrection,

For a time we wait, asleep.

Raised, we wear our Lord’s perfection

In baptismal robes of white,

Basking in our Savior’s light.

(c) 2018 Alan Kornacki, Jr.

78 78 77

Tune: MEINEN JESUM LASS’ ICH NICHT (DARMSTADT) (LSB 609)

Occasion: Trinity XVI