WHAT IS THE WORLD TO ME (LSB 730)
9th Sunday after Trinity (1 year series) & St. Matthew
Georg Michael Pfefferkorn (1645–1732) was a pastor in the vicinity of Gotha, Germany. He was known for honors and appointments from the royal court. Yet, he penned this hymn discounting all wealth, honors, and pleasures in favor of the true treasure, Jesus Christ. The world seeks after that which will not last, but the Christian’s wealth is Jesus Christ, the Redeemer of the world. Contentment with what a Christian has been given is the focus of Pfefferkorn’s hymn and his life. This text is set to the energetic tune: Was frag ich nach der Welt, which means, “What ask I of the world,” written by Ahasverus Fritsch (1629–1701), a skilled statesman.
GUIDE ME, O THOU GREAT REDEEMER (LSB 918)
Proper 13 B (Three year series)
William Williams (1717–91) is the most famous hymnist to come out of Wales! His hymn links scenes from the Old Testament to New Testament and modern times. As the Lord led his people in the exodus, so he leads his people now. As he provided protection then, so also now. As we Christians journey in our life between Baptism (Red Sea crossing) and our death (with its accompanying resurrection of soul, then body—Jordan River crossing) we are fed with the true bread of heaven, the body of Christ in the Sacrament of the Altar. Christians continue to receive forgiveness which daily grounds us Holy Baptism. As we sing hymns to Christ now, we yet will sing even more when we cross into the heavenly promised land. The popular hymn tune, Cwm Rhondda, by John Hughes (1873-1932), is named for the valley in the heart of the coal mining region of Wales.
Rev. Thomas E. Lock serves as Kantor/Assistant Pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church, Denver, Colorado.