There in God’s Garden (Evangelical Lutheran Worship 342)
1 There in God’s garden
stands the Tree of Wisdom,
Whose leaves hold forth
the healing of the nations:
Tree of all knowledge,
Tree of all compassion,
Tree of all beauty.
2 Its name is Jesus,
name that says, “Our Savior!”
There on its branches see
the scars of suff’ring
See there the tendrils
of our human selfhood
feed on its lifeblood.
3 Thorns not its own
are tangled in its foliage;
Our greed has starved it,
our despite has choked it.
Yet, look! It lives!
Its grief has not destroyed it
nor fire consumed it.
4 See how its branches
reach to us in welcome;
Hear what the Voice says,
“Come to me, ye weary!
Give me your sickness,
give me all your sorrow,
I will give blessing.”
5 This is my ending,
This my resurrection;
Into your hands,
Lord, I commit my spirit.
This have I searched for;
Now I can possess it.
This ground is holy.
6 All heav’n is singing,
“Thanks to Christ whose
passion offers in mercy
Healing, strength, and pardon.
Peoples and nations,
Take it, take it freely!”
Amen! My Master!
Text: Király Imre von Pécselyi; Music K. Lee Scott.
Reprinted under OneLicense.net #A730924
Devotion
Verse five of our theme hymn invites reflection on the holy mystery of Jesus’ death and resurrection. It begins with Jesus’ resurrection but then recalls Jesus’ last words from the cross in Luke’s Gospel: “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit” (Luke 23:46; cf. Psalm 31:5). There is no life-giving resurrection without the suffering of the cross. As an innocent person condemned to die by crucifixion, Jesus took the sin and suffering of all people upon himself. Yet even in the agony of impending death, Jesus entrusts himself to God. Amidst pain and death, God is faithful to bring new life—both for Jesus and all who trust in Jesus’ self-giving love. In times of struggle and pain, we know that God is with us and is working to bring about resurrection life in ways we cannot comprehend.
Prayer
Faithful God, help us to trust you when it is hard to do so. Give us hope amidst despair and strength to persevere. In Jesus’ name. Amen.