There was a time when my dad was choir master at our local Church, and I understand that one of the things he often said “think about the words you are singing” and I have often remembered that as I have looked at a hymn, been delighted, because it was one of my favourites and I have chortled away at the top of my voice, the tune is important, of course it is, but the words are at least of equal importance. I am often in awe of those who are gifted enough to pen what I believe are profound words and I have a store of sentences that I would love to have the wisdom to write.
Graham Kendrick’s hymn “The Servant King” is a perfect example. I have picked it and sung it hundreds of times over what must be around thirty years now, the sentence that I particularly love is “Hands that flung stars into space, to cruel nails surrendered” and I think they are important for us to reflect on for a few moments today on Passion Sunday 2022 as innocent people move around eastern Europe trying to find refuge. Many in the twenty-first century will deny the existence of a creator God and the wonder of these words will be wasted on them, but I find the image of the God who created the world being reduced to being treat as a common criminal and dying the most painful death imaginable is very poignant to me.
The main thrust of Graham Kendrick’s hymn is reminding us as people in the twenty-first century that God took on human form, came and dwelt among us and died for us. It is a stark lesson as we see Vladimir Putin seeking ultimate power by forcing a war in Ukraine. There is a saying “there are no winners in war” and I can’t even start to imagine the confusion, anguish, and fear of Ukrainian families torn apart by war. Equally, I find myself thinking about innocent, law abiding Russians, who a few weeks ago were living by similar values to us, who now suddenly have become the enemy, aligned to what their government is doing, I also feel for young Russians who have been enlisted to fight in a war against their will.
Hands that flung stars into space, reminds us of a God who did nothing wrong, who did good for the world and was innocent of all charges being dealt with in the most evil way. As I mentioned, today is Passion Sunday, we are just two weeks away from Easter Day now and over the next two weeks we will face again the ups and downs of the Easter story, let us remember throughout history innocent people who have paid the ultimate price.
Prayer (from the Methodist Church website, prepared by Rev Jeff Walker)
Creator God,
Thank you for the opportunity of being together in prayer.
As we look forward to the week to come, we pray for an awareness of your love and support in all we do.
We are sorry that we only seem to turn to you in the down times of our lives, and forget to thank you for the good times.
There is so much in your world for which we should be grateful and we offer our thanks now.
Be with us, and all who need your loving touch at this time.
Through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour. Amen