Third Sunday after Pentecost: Psalm, Psalm 130                        

Psalm 130 

Yes, you read that correctly. The title really is “Inspirational Woe.” If I could use the emoji with wide eyes and gaping mouth I would. Because that is probably what many are doing as they read. How can woe, the woe found in many pronouncements in the Bible inspire anything. Well, my hope is that it does inspire all of us to an upward gaze all the time realizing that the God of heaven is our only hope. Psalm 130 begins, “Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD! O Lord, hear my voice” (Ps. 130:1-2a). It is the inspiration for one of Martin Luther’s finest hymn compositions, “From Depths of Woe I Cry to Thee” (LSB #607).

For centuries Christians have used this hymn in song, but also in lamenting prayer. And though the subject is somber, the message overall is one of triumph. The triumph of God the Son over our sin and the exaltation of the justice of His Father. If I may, just a couple verses from the great revolutionary, for so I view him (in the best sense of the word):

 

“From depths of woe I cry to Thee, in trial and tribulation;

Bend down thy gracious ear to me, Lord, hear my supplication.

If Thou rememb’rest ev’ry sin, who then could heaven ever win or stand

before Thy presence?

 

Though great our sins, yet greater still is God’s abundant favor;

His hand of mercy never will abandon us, nor waver.

Our shepherd good and true is He, Who will at last His Israel free

from all their sin and sorrow.”

(LSB #607, vv. 1,5)

 

Now that’s inspirational woe, if ever there were such a thing. God’s peace to you all.