Old Testament | Exodus 19:1-8 (with Nick Locke)

Opening Song:
Almost Home by Lauren Papa, Matt Boswell, and Matt Papa

Lyrics:
Don't drop a single anchor
We're almost home
Through every toil and danger
We're almost home
How many pilgrim saints have before us gone
No stopping now
We're almost home

The promised land is calling
We're almost home
And not a tear shall fall then
We're almost home
Make ready now your souls for that kingdom come
No turning back
We're almost home

Almost home
We're almost home
So press on t'ward that blessed shore
Oh praise the Lord
We're almost home

This journey ours together
We're almost home
Unto that great forever
We're almost home
What song anew we'll sing 'round that happy throne
Come faint of heart
We're almost home

This life is just a vapor
We're almost home
That sun is setting yonder
We're almost home
Take courage for this darkness shall break to dawn
Oh lift your eyes
We're almost home

Passage:
On the third new moon after the people of Israel had gone out of the land of Egypt, on that day they came into the wilderness of Sinai. 2 They set out from Rephidim and came into the wilderness of Sinai, and they encamped in the wilderness. There Israel encamped before the mountain, 3 while Moses went up to God. The Lord called to him out of the mountain, saying, “Thus you shall say to the house of Jacob, and tell the people of Israel: 4 ‘You yourselves have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles' wings and brought you to myself. 5 Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine; 6 and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words that you shall speak to the people of Israel.”

7 So Moses came and called the elders of the people and set before them all these words that the Lord had commanded him. 8 All the people answered together and said, “All that the Lord has spoken we will do.” And Moses reported the words of the people to the Lord.

Musical Reflection:
Nothing But The Blood (PLAINFIELD) by Robert Lowry

Reflection Notes:
Lowry wrote several hymns for his congregation’s use in the late nineteenth century. This particular tune is pentatonic (only five notes used per octave) and falls within a small vocal range, which made it accessible for all parishioners to sing and enjoy.

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