96.4 I Come To Do Your Will

(Psalm 40:1-11)

I waited patiently for the Lord's help; then he listened to me and heard my cry.

He pulled me out of a dangerous pit, out of the deadly quicksand.

He set me safely on a rock and made me secure. He taught me to sing a new song, as song of praise to our God.

Many who see this will take warning and will put their trust in the Lord.

Happy are those who trust the Lord, who do not turn to idols or join those who worship false gods.

You have done many things for us, O Lord our God; there is no one like you!

You have made many wonderful plans for us.

I could never speak of them all-- their number is so great!

You do not want sacrifices and offerings; you do not ask for animals burned whole on the altar or for sacrifices to take away sins.

Instead, you have given me ears to hear you, and so I answered, "Here I am: your instructions for me are in the book of the Law.

How I love to do your will, my God! I keep your teaching in my heart."

In the assembly of all your people, Lord, I told the good news that you save us.

You know that I will never stop telling it. I have not kept the news of salvation to myself; I have always spoken of your faithfulness and help. In the assembly of all your people I have not been silent about your loyalty and constant love.
Lord, I know you will never stop being merciful to me. Your love and loyalty will always keep me safe.

96.3 Not Peace But Division; Take Up Your Cross

(Mathhew 10:34-39)

"Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the world. No, I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. I came to set sons against their fathers, daughter against their mothers, daughters-in-law against their mothers-in-law: a man's worst enemies will be the members of his own family.

"Whoever loves his father or mother more than me is not fit to be my disciple; whoever loves his son or daughter more than me is not fit to be my disciple. Whoever does not take up his cross and follow in my steps is not fit to be my disciple. Whoever tries to gain his own life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for my sake will gain it.

96.2 No More Violence But Salvation And Praise

(Isaiah 60:18-22)

The sounds of violence will be heard no more:
Destruction will not shatter your country again.
I will protect and defend you like a wall;
You will praise me because I have saved you.
"No longer will the sun be your light by day
Or the moon be your light by night;
I. the Lord, will be your eternal light;
The light of my glory will shine on you.
Your days of grief will come to an end.
I. the Lord, will be your eternal light,
More lasting than the sun and moon.
Your people will all do what is right,
And will posses the land forever.
I planted them, I made them,
To reveal my greatness to all.
Even your smalls and humblest family
Will become as great as a powerful nation.
When the right time comes,
I will make this happen quickly.
I am the Lord!"

95.5 God's Chosen King

(Psalm 2)

Why do the nations plan rebellion?

Why do people make their useless plots?

Their kings revolt, their rulers plot together against the Lord and against the king he chose'

:Let us free ourselves from their rule, "they say; "let us throw off their control."

From his throne in heaven the Lord laughs and mocks their feeble plans.

Then he warns them in anger and terrifies them with his fury.

"On Zion, my sacred hill," he says, "I have installed my king."

"I will announce, "says the king, "what the Lord has declared. He said to me:'You are my son; today I have become your father. Ask, and I will give you all the nations; the whole earth will be yours.

You will break them with an iron rod; you will shatter them in pieces like a clay pot.'"

Now listen to this warning, you kings; learn this lesson, you rulers of the world: Serve the Lord with fear; tremble and bow down to him; or else his anger will be quickly aroused, and you will suddenly die. Happy are all who go to him for protection.

96.1 Beat Your Swords Into Plowshares

(Isaiah 2:2-4)

In days to come the mountain where the Temple stand will be the highest one of all, towering above all the hills. Many nations will come streaming to it, and their people will say, "Let us go up the hill of the Lord, to the Temple of Israel's God. He will teach us what he wants us to do: we will walk in the paths he has chosen. For the Lord's teaching comes from Jerusalem: from Zion he speaks to his people."

He will settle disputes among great nations. They will hammer their swords into plows and their spears into pruning knives. Nations will never again to war, never prepare for battle again.