Easter 6 | Isaiah 45:11-13, 18-19 (with Nick Locke)

Opening Song:
There is No Higher Name by David Brymer and Mark Alan Schoolmeesters

Lyrics:
The ancient mountains crumble
The age-old hills collapse
Your presence fills the temple
With your glory your glory

Holy holy holy
Is the Lord almighty
The earth is filled with glory
You're the king of all kings
And forever will be

Standing here before you
My feet on holy ground
My eyes have seen your beauty
And your glory your glory
In awe of your glory your glory

Every nation bows down
Joining with heaven's sound
Singing hallelujah
You are holy
Age to age you're the same
There is no higher name
Be enthroned on our praise
You are holy

Passage:
11 This is what the LORD,
the Holy One of Israel and its Maker, says:
“Ask me what is to happen to my sons,
and instruct me about the work of my hands.
12 I made the earth,
and created humans on it.
It was my hands that stretched out the heavens,
and I commanded everything in them.
13 I have stirred him up in righteousness,
and will level all roads for him.
He will rebuild my city,
and set my exiles free,
not for a price or a bribe,”
says the LORD of Armies.

18 For this is what the LORD says—
the Creator of the heavens,
the God who formed the earth and made it,
the one who established it
(he did not create it to be a wasteland,
but formed it to be inhabited)—
he says, “I am the LORD,
and there is no other.
19 I have not spoken in secret,
somewhere in a land of darkness.
I did not say to the descendants of Jacob:
Seek me in a wasteland.
I am the LORD, who speaks righteously,
who declares what is right.
(Isaiah 45:11-13, 18-19 CSB)

Musical Reflection:
“Amazing Grace,” Appalachian folk tune

Reflection Notes:
This beloved tune, formally known as NEW BRITAIN, originates from the folk music of Appalachia. The melody is simple and outlines triads, making it memorable; the ascending line creates a triumphant climax.

Prayer:
Father, what we know not, teach us; what we have not, give us; what we are not, make us; for the sake of your Son our Savior. Amen.
-Old Anglican Prayer