HYMN: Your Word, O Lord, Has Caused Offense

It’s strange how it always happens, but every time I’m at a district pastors conference, I write a hymn. This time is no exception. We’re listening to an excellent presentation from the Reverend Doctor Mark Rockenbach, and I’m taking pretty good notes, but I also had an idea pop into my head for one of my two remaining Sundays of the Church Year for which I hadn’t yet written a text. Actually, the topic of the presentation led to this text, as we’re talking about comforting the people of God. The Third-Last Sunday of the Church year is the dreaded “abomination of desolation” text, Matthew 24:15-28. How does God comfort and protect His people when He is dishing out judgment? He sends His Word to His people. The Word offends the world, but it brings comfort and hope to the holy flock. 

Anyway, here is my text, to the tune to which we sing “I Walk in Danger All the Way.” Feedback is appreciated.

 Your Word, O Lord, Has Caused Offense

1. Your Word, O Lord, has caused offense

To people worldly, broken.

The sons of men refuse the sense

Of all the Christ has spoken,

Indulging sinful wills,

Inviting Satan’s ills.

The godless spurn all holy fear.

The end is surely drawing near.

2. Your Word, O Lord, has caused offense.

False prophets seek to lure us

From our baptismal innocence

And from Your truth obscure us.

Our own defense must fail;

You only must prevail.

We trust in You, O Savior dear.

The end is surely drawing near.

3. Your Word, O Lord, has caused offense.

Your children face temptation.

The Gospel is our sole defense

From anger and frustration.

The world seeks our defeat;

Your Word is comfort sweet

When worldly foes would mock and jeer.

The end is surely drawing near.

4. Your Word, O Lord, has caused offense,

Your cross a sign of loathing.

But through Your Passion you dispense

Our white baptismal clothing.

Your blood has made us clean

Of all our sins obscene.

The grave has no more power here.

The end is surely drawing near.

5. You Word, O Lord, has caused offense.

The day, we beg You, hasten!

And should we fail at Your expense,

Don’t hesitate to chasten.

The signs are plain and sure.

Oh, grant us to endure,

To trust Your Word and persevere.

The end is surely drawing near.

(c) 2019, Alan Kornacki, Jr.

87 87 77 88

Tune: DER LIEBEN SONNE LICHT UND PRACHT (LSB 716)

Occasion: Trinity XXV (3rd Last Sunday of the Church Year); Persecution; The World