New Hymns for the Lectionary
Proper 27C - Gospel
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Our One True Love
TEXT: Mark Ryman (2004) based on Luke 20:27-38.
TUNE: “Naomi” by Hans G. Nägeli (1836).

We learn enough to be obtuse
And flaunt theology.
Insisting truth is our excuse
Without apology.

Let's hold the Lord to our doctrines
-no matter His dogma!
We hope in vain to mask these sins
Our doctrine: our stigma.

God can't be trapped by clever words
or trust in human creed.
He turns our thinking heavenwards
when we at last concede.

"Will we have mates with God above?
we ask to prove our case.
Jesus will be our one true love
-our eternal embrace.

The Lesson - Luke 20:27-38

       How we cling to our favorite doctrines. Proof of the faultiness of our views is our arrogance (though we rarely recognize the arrogance) in holding them over the heads of our inferiors (though we would insist we are humble). Millennial, tribulational, sacramental, election, free will, and worship style — to name a few — divide congregations and denominations.
       To be sure, being correct in some doctrines is vital. But is it vital that you be correct when it is not a matter of salvation? Would you insist on being right if the result were to divide the Church? Jesus always has a strange answer for those who insist too loudly or cockily on their positions. Read the lesson and see what He did with the Sadducees’ cleverness. He will certainly have a similar answer for our divisive views.

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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