Planted by the water

Scripture: Jeremiah 17:5-10

Watch the service here.

Prelude: “As the Dew from Heaven Distilling” – Joseph Daynes

In the rich tapestry of our musical heritage at Court Street, Gary has uncovered a gem  “As the Dew from Heaven Distilling.” Crafted by Joseph J. Daynes, an organist at the Tabernacle who started playing for the choir at the tender age of 16, this melody has echoed through the years, resonating with the soul.

While the melody, titled “As the Dew from Heaven Distilling,” is recognizable to our seasoned listeners, the less-explored treasure lies in the accompanying lyrics.

Penned by Thomas Kelly, a 19th-century Irish preacher, the hymn text traces its roots to the ancient “song of Moses” found in Deuteronomy 32:1-2: “Give ear, O ye heavens, and I will speak; and hear, O earth, the words of my mouth. My doctrine shall drop as the rain, my speech shall distil as the dew.”

The historical records are a bit hazy on why “As the Dew from Heaven Distilling” became the chosen closing refrain for “Music & the Spoken Word.” Yet, the symbolism feels profoundly fitting. Dew from heaven, like the gentle hand of providence, revives, nourishes, and uplifts. Unlike a sporadic heavy rainstorm, dew distills gently, peacefully, and consistently — morning after morning, year after year.

This is our aspiration — to share with the world the gentle influence of God’s love, His hope, and His nourishing truth “as the dew from heaven distilling.”

So, as Gary gracefully plays the opening theme on Sunday, let the beauty of the music weave with your contemplation of dew from heaven — its soft influence on your soul. Reflect on the timeless words written by Thomas Kelly, a poetic echo from centuries past:

As the dew from heaven distilling, Gently on the grass descends, And revives it, thus fulfilling What thy providence intends, Let thy doctrine, Lord, so gracious, Thus descending from above, Blest by thee, prove efficacious To fulfill thy work of love.

Opening Hymn: “How Firm a Foundation” (UMH 529)

In the timeless echoes of “How Firm a Foundation,” we find not just a hymn but a profound connection to our Planted by the Water service. As the soul-stirring melody graces our hearts, let’s delve into the mysterious origin of this hymn and intertwine its history with the enduring promises of God.

Authored by an unknown hand, it first appeared in John Rippon’s 1787 compilation, shrouded in anonymity as “K—.” The journey of attribution unfolds through various editions, with names like “Kn,” “Keen,” and “Kirkham” emerging but never conclusively linking to the writer. The uncertainties of the past don’t diminish the impact of this hymn, which found favor in the hearts of historical figures like Theodore Roosevelt, Andrew Jackson, and Robert E. Lee.

The music itself, paired with the anonymous folk tune FOUNDATION, transcends its mystery. Originating in Joseph Fund’s 1832 Genuine Church Music under the name PROTECTION, it made its way into American hymnody. Its evolution, noted in collections like The Sacred Harp and Southern Harmony, culminates in the rendition familiar to us today, as preserved in R.M. McIntosh’s Tabor (1866).

The seven-stanza original, with five embraced in The United Methodist Hymnal, beautifully intertwines promises from Jesus and echoes scriptural passages. Albert Bailey’s scriptural analysis unravels these connections, from Isaiah 41:10 to Deuteronomy 31:6, 8, unveiling a hymn deeply rooted in the promises of God.

Despite its unknown author, “How Firm a Foundation” stands as a testament to a Christian well-versed in the comforting promises of Scripture, drawing strength from them in times of tribulation. Its arrival in the U.S., likely offering solace during the Civil War, affirms its enduring relevance.

As we lift our voices in this cherished hymn during our Planted by the Water service, may its profound history resonate in our hearts, connecting us to the unwavering promises of God that have comforted souls across time.

Anthem: “Be Still My Soul (In You I Rest)”

In the gentle cadence of Kari Jobe’s “Be Still My Soul (In You I Rest),” we seamlessly carry forward the melodic echoes that graced our worship space last week, further entwining the harmonies of Finlandia with the prevailing theme of our Planted by the Water service. This poignant anthem, like a musical brush dipped in the hues of trust and repose, draws us into the heart of Jeremiah 17:5-10.

Just as the scripture delicately contrasts the outcomes woven into the fabric of human strength versus the steadfast trust in the Lord, Jobe’s interpretation becomes a tender invitation to stillness and unwavering confidence in the providence of our God. The melody, like the roots of a tree reaching for the life-giving stream, anchors us in the timeless wisdom that finds its voice in Jeremiah.

The lyrical journey of “Be Still My Soul” intertwines with the sacred verses, where the cursed juniper in the barren wilderness becomes a poignant metaphor for those who lean on human frailty. In contrast, the blessed, likened to a tree rooted by the waters, stands resilient through every season, untroubled by the heat or the parched times. The anthem becomes a resonant echo, inviting us to rest in the comforting embrace of the Almighty, mirroring the essence of Jeremiah’s sacred words.

As this musical tapestry unfolds in our Planted by the Water service, the sanctuary becomes a sacred space where the hymns of Jeremiah and the melodies coalesce, inviting us to stillness, to trust, and to find rest in the abiding arms of our faithful God. In this harmonious interplay, we discover that the restful cadence of our souls aligns with the enduring promise of the One who plants us by the water, ensuring that, like the blessed tree, we remain unshaken, undeterred, and ever fruitful.

Offertory: “Pie Jesu” – Andrew Lloyd Webber

As we weave the threads of our Planted by the Water service, the timeless strains of “Pie Jesu,” a masterpiece sculpted by the maestro Andrew Lloyd Webber, unfurl within the sanctuary, adding a touch of classical grandeur to our sacred space. In embracing this classical style piece, we bridge the expanse between centuries past and our present moment, creating a musical tapestry that transcends time.

“Pie Jesu,” with its ethereal Latin verses, which translate to the tender entreaty “Merciful Jesus,” acts as a musical bridge, echoing the universal plea for mercy that resonates across ages. It finds its place within the overarching theme of our scriptural journey in Jeremiah 17:5-10, where the narrative unfolds in the delicate dance between the cursed and the blessed, the parched and the watered.

The soaring melody, like the crescendo of a timeless river, intertwines with the emotive lyrics, creating a sacred space for reflection and surrender. It becomes a moment of pause, where the echoes of centuries past reverberate, reminding us that the plea for mercy is not bound by time but is a perennial cry that finds its echo in the chambers of our hearts.

In bringing this classical gem to our worship, we honor the rich tapestry of musical heritage that spans epochs. It’s a recognition that the divine conversation, encapsulated in the beauty of “Pie Jesu,” speaks a language that transcends the constraints of time. The classical strains become a bridge, connecting us to the sacred echoes of antiquity and propelling us into a deeper understanding of our dependence on divine grace.

So, as the notes of “Pie Jesu” linger in the air, let us be transported not only to the realms of classical elegance but also to the timeless sanctuary where the plea for mercy and the embrace of divine grace converge. In this fusion of historical opulence and moving forward, we find a space where the sacred dialogue continues, weaving together the ages in a harmonious symphony of faith.

Hymn for Illumination: “It is Well With My Soul” (UMH 377)

In the gentle cadence of our Planted by the Water service, we turn our hearts to the hymn “It Is Well.” This soul-stirring melody illuminates the corridors of our shared humanity, resonating with the intricate dance of sorrow and hope painted in the verses of Jeremiah 17:5-10.

Life’s tempests, the billowing sea of trials, often lead our souls to whisper, “It is not well with my soul.” In these moments of anxious introspection, we confront the stark reality of suffering. The world once declared good in its creation, now bears the scars of sin, and every soul navigates the currents of hardship and pain.

As we delve into the narrative of Horatio G. Spafford, the creator of this hymn, the symphony of his life reveals a poignant harmony with our own struggles. His pen etched these verses as he sailed over the watery expanse where his daughters had met their tragic end. A symphony born from the depths of grief, yet in its notes, we discover the truth of contentment.

Spafford’s sorrows, akin to the sea billows, found a counterpoint in his unyielding trust in God. It echoes the resilience of the apostle Paul, who, amidst beatings, stonings, and imprisonments, found contentment not in circumstances but in the steadfastness of his relationship with Christ.

Our anxiety, like storm clouds gathering, is met with a divine invitation to trust—not in the fleeting nature of circumstances but in the enduring presence of Christ. “It is Well” becomes a resounding anthem, echoing the promise of Christ’s continual companionship and unwavering strength.

In the tapestry of the gospel, we find our anchor; it declares the defeat of our sin through the sacrifice of Jesus. The gospel assures us that in Christ, our souls are secure, unruffled by the storm of anxiety that seeks to assail us.

So, as you face the waves of anxiety, let the truth in Christ be your compass. In the midst of life’s uncertainties, the security found in Him allows you to declare, “It is well with my soul.”

Hymn of Dedication: “Take My Life, and Let It Be” (UMH 399)

In the closing of our service, we find a harmonious crescendo in the hymn “Take My Life, and Let It Be.” This sacred melody, penned by Frances Havergal, delicately intertwines with the threads of dedication and surrender woven throughout our lesson and service.

As we immerse ourselves in the lyrical offering, we echo the sentiments of a consecration poet who sought to live a life wholly devoted to Christ and to those in need, both physically and spiritually. Frances Havergal, with her frail health and a mere 43 years of life, left a resounding legacy through her commitment to Christian hymnody.

“Take My Life” unfolds like a prayer of ceaseless petition, each line commencing with the imperative “Take,” a rhythmic heartbeat of surrender. This musical tapestry extends beyond mere vocalization; it reflects the totality of a life laid bare before the divine.

In Havergal’s own words, the genesis of this hymn is recounted as a divine encounter during a brief visit. The prayer, “Lord, give me all in this house,” became a reality, touching every inhabitant with a blessing. In the quietude of that night, amidst tears and rejoicing, Havergal’s heart birthed the verses that echo through our sanctuary.

The hymn spans the breadth of surrender—moments and days flowing in ceaseless praise, hands and feet moved by the impulse of divine love. It consecrates the very essence of being, from the physical body to possessions, intellect, and the core attributes of will, heart, love, and self.

“Take My Life, and Let It Be” beckons us to respond to the call of Jeremiah, inviting us to entrust our lives to the divine conductor. As the music lingers in our ears, we are reminded that dedication and surrender are not mere themes of a hymn but the essence of a life planted by the water, rooted in the life-giving presence of God.

In this song of trust, rest, and dedication, our worship experience crescendos to a divine cadence, echoing the eternal invitation to surrender wholly to the One who orchestrates the melody of our lives.

Check out our previous Behind the Music article here!

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