All Mankind Fell in Adam’s Fall (LSB 562)
6th Sunday after Trinity – 1 year series (July 12, 2015)
Lazarus Spengler (1479–1534) was an early supporter of Luther’s reforms. In fact, Spengler was named and excommunicated in the papal Bull of Excommunication against Luther. His hymn, All Mankind Fell in Adam’s Fall, is considered one of the most important hymns of the Reformation era (along with hymns like Salvation unto Us Has Come). On the day we hear the Ten Commandments from the lectern it is good to remind ourselves that we not only commit sins, but we are also sinful from the moment of our conception because of Adam’s fall (original sin). Apart from Christ there is no good in any person at all. Thanks be to Christ Jesus that because of his death for our sin and sins we now have forgiveness, life, and salvation in him. We are justified—declared righteous—by his grace. This justifying grace attends his saints until “we reach our final end.”
Jesus, Priceless Treasure – LSB 743
Lent 4 (Laetare; 1 year) AND Proper 10 (B) (July 12, 2015)
Johann Franck’s hymn is a love song from the bride (church) to her Lord Jesus Christ! This is not as easy to see in English as in the original German which includes this line: “God’s Lamb, my Bridegroom.” Jesus is the priceless Bridegroom, pleasure, friend, and Lamb who has ransomed us, not with gold or silver, but with his precious blood (1 Peter 1:18-19). Jesus defends his bride against all evils of body and soul, especially that accuser from of old—Satan. Christians also are made able to decry fear and death. The world and its treasures hold no sway over those who in faith rely on Christ. Faithful Christians, members of the bride of Christ (Ephesians 5:22–33), fear not leaving this evil world, for then they can dwell forever before the face of their Bridegroom, their priceless treasure, in heaven.
Rev. Thomas E. Lock serves as Kantor/Assistant Pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church, Denver, Colorado.