New Hymns for the Lectionary
Proper 16C - Gospel
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Praising the Whole Week Through
TEXT: Mark Ryman (2004) based on Luke 13:10-17.
TUNE: "Galilee" by Cecil Frances Alexander (1818-1895).

Jesus calls us from the start of
our young lives — yes, from the womb.
Do we listen or call back to
the Lord risen from his tomb?

He would heal us and restore us
to an upright walk each day.
He won’t waver in persistence
‘til we each one turn and pray —

giving God the praise and glory
for a life of liberty.
This is why our Lord Christ calls us;
God the Father wants us free —

free to love him and adore him
as we each were meant to do;
not just one day or on Sunday
but praising the whole week through.

The Lesson - Luke 13:10-17

       Luke tells the story of a woman who had been bent over for eighteen years. In all this time she had been looking down. She was evidently part of a crowd who had gathered to hear Jesus teach in the synagogue. The Lord saw her and called her over. She did so and he freed her from her infirmity. Luke tells us she was immediately “straightened up.” (NIV)
       Jesus can “straighten up” the worst cases. Once one gets near enough to hear his call — if she would just come a bit nearer and “look up” then Jesus will free her and straighten her up. This can be especially true for the Sunday believer who hangs out on the fringes of Christ’s teaching. It is there one hears him call: Come nearer; I would free you of your infirmity. One does not like to admit the need but each one has some “infirmity” to be healed of — a little straightening up to be accomplished. Christ would do this for you. Come nearer Him; stop looking down; look up and be “freed.”

The copy on this page, including the hymn and commentary, is copyrighted by Mark Ryman. © 2004.
I use CYBER HYMNAL for all of my tunes, which means you can use the tune yourself.
You may freely use these hymn lyrics and/or commentary in whole or in part for study and/or worship
as long as you use the following citation: "©2004 Mark Ryman. More hymns at edoxy.com."

If you would, please email me, letting me know how you have used the hymn(s). That would be a blessing.
If you wish to publish this or any of my hymns, you must of course gain my permission. © Mark Ryman

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