God, the Omnipotent! LBW 462
1 God the omnipotent!
King who ordainest
Great winds thy clarions, lightning thy sword:
Show forth thy pity on high where though reignest;
Give to us peace in our time, O Lord.
2 God the all-merciful!
Earth hath forsaken
Meekness and mercy, and slighted thy Word;
Bid not thy wrath in its terrors awaken;
Give to us peace in our time, O Lord.
3 God the All-righteous One!
We have defied thee,
Yet to eternity standeth thy Word;
Falsehood and wrong shall not tarry beside thee;
Give to us peace in our time, O Lord.
4 God the all-wise!
By the fire of thy chast'ning
Earth shall to freedom and truth be restored;
Through the thick darkness thy kingdom is hast'ning;
Thou wilt give peace in thy time, O Lord.
Devotion
All of the lessons this week give us glimpses of how God envisions his kingdom. It is a domain where he walks with us and dwells with us, so that he may share his Word and wisdom. It is a place where love, justice and mercy prevail. It is the home of his children, saved by the cross of Jesus Christ. It reaches the ends of the earth, wherever we proclaim his gospel in word and deed. God envisions a kingdom where all may know peace with him, peace with one another, and peace in the world.
The fulfillment of this vision, as the hymn tells us, is hindered by our sins. Yet God continues to reveal himself in his word, and by his mercy. He continues to work in us and through us to bring the light of peace to shine throughout his kingdom.
Prayer
Give to us peace in our time, O Lord. Amen.