Building on the Rock

This week’s service intertwines the solemn remembrance of Memorial Day with the profound celebration of Trinity Sunday. Our worship is enriched by a selection of hymns and songs that reflect our faith’s deep roots and enduring hope. Let’s delve into the history and scriptural connections of the music that guides us through this special service.

Reginald Heber’s “Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty” is a hymn that transcends time, calling worshippers to join an eternal song of praise. Written for Trinity Sunday, this hymn draws from Isaiah 6:1-5 and Revelation 4:2-11, where the heavenly hosts sing, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.” Heber, an Anglican bishop, composed this hymn in the early 19th century with the aim of capturing the majesty and mystery of the Trinity.

The hymn’s pairing with the tune  NICAEA  by John Bacchus Dykes amplifies its grandeur. Named after the Council of Nicaea, where the doctrine of the Trinity was solidified, the melody supports the stately and reverent tone of Heber’s lyrics. As we sing this hymn, we join a chorus that spans centuries, cultures, and continents, united in proclaiming the holiness of our Triune God.

“King of Kings” by Hillsong is a contemporary anthem that narrates the life, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ. The lyrics are deeply rooted in Revelation 19:16, which declares, “On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS,” and Philippians 2:9-11, which proclaims that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow.

This song connects with our theme of building on a solid foundation, as it reminds us of the cornerstone of our faith—Jesus Christ. Through this anthem, we celebrate the reign of Christ and the hope we have in His return.

“O God in Heaven,” with lyrics by D.T. Niles and music arranged by Elisa G. Maquiso, combines Asian musical traditions with rich theological text. Niles, an ecumenist from Sri Lanka, wrote the English text inspired by Maquiso’s adaptation of a Filipino tribal melody.

The hymn invokes the Trinity, highlighting different aspects of God’s nature in each stanza:

• Stanza One petitions God the Father for mercy, blessing, unity, and redemption.
• Stanza Two reflects on the grace and passion of Jesus Christ, remembering His resurrection.
• Stanza Three calls upon the Holy Spirit to provide strength and help to the weary and needy.

The hymn’s themes resonate with scriptures, tying into passages like Ephesians 1:3 and 1 Corinthians 15:3-4. Its structure mirrors the theological concept of the Trinity, reflective of Matthew 28:19. The hymn supports this message, reminding us of God’s continuous presence and assistance in our lives.

“O God in Heaven” highlights the importance of embracing diverse cultural expressions within our worship, celebrating the universal church’s unity as seen in Revelation 7:9-10.

Hillsong’s “Cornerstone” is a modern adaptation of the classic hymn “My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less” by Edward Mote. The original hymn, penned in the early 19th century, emphasizes the steadfastness of Christ as our foundation. In Matthew 7:24-27, Jesus teaches about the wise builder who constructs his house on the rock, symbolizing those who hear and act on His words. This parable is echoed in the refrain, “On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand.”

“Cornerstone” retains the powerful message of Mote’s hymn while infusing it with a contemporary worship style, making it accessible and resonant for today’s congregation.

Edward Mote’s enduring hymn, “My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less,” has been a source of comfort and strength for believers since its publication in 1836. Mote, who came to faith through the preaching of John Hyatt, crafted a hymn that captures the essence of Christian hope and reliance on Jesus.

The hymn’s message aligns perfectly with the scriptural foundation laid out in Matthew 7:21-29, the focus of our sermon “Building on the Rock.” As we close our service with this hymn, we affirm our commitment to stand firm on the solid rock of Christ’s teachings.

This Trinity Sunday, we celebrate the mystery of the Triune God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Our music reflects this deep theological truth, inviting us to participate in the eternal worship of the Holy Trinity. At the same time, as we observe Memorial Day, we honor those who have sacrificed their lives for our freedom. Our hymns and prayers acknowledge the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who laid down His life for our salvation.

In singing these hymns, we are reminded of the unchanging nature of God’s love and the firm foundation we have in Christ. May this service inspire us to build our lives on the rock of His word, standing steadfast in faith, hope, and love.