COME, HOLY GHOST, GOD AND LORD
This is the name of a hymn about the Holy Spirit. Since the 8th is Pentecost Sunday, I thought now might be a good time to look at it. The first verse is focused on the Holy Spirit transforming us in mind and heart and equipping us to stand strong in faith. The tune was a little challenging to sing, but the first verse says, “Come, Holy Ghost, God and Lord with all your graces now outpoured on each believer's mind and heart Your fervent love to them impart. Lord, by the brightness of your light in holy faith your church unite from ev'ry land and ev'ry tongue - this to your praise, O Lord, our God, be sung - Alleluia! Alleluia.” As Luther would declare, it is the Holy Spirit that calls, gathers, and enlightens, and sanctifies the whole Christian church. How does this happen? The Holy Spirit calls me by the gospel, enlightens me with His gifts, and He sanctifies and keeps me in the one true faith. The second verse is seeking purity from false doctrines and filling our heart with a great joy that comes from true faith. The second verse, “Come, holy Light, guide divine now cause the word of life to shine. Teach us to know our God aright as loving Father, our delight. From ev'ry error keep us free. Let none but Christ our teacher be, that we in living faith abide in Him, our Lord, with all our might confide. Alleluia! Alleluia”. That needs to be our prayer and desire... to know God as He desires to be known and not as we want Him to be. Again, “From every error keep us free”. Let not the world contaminate our thinking with false hopes and selfish desires. The third verse refers to the Holy Spirit as holy Fire. Fire can purify what is contaminated, but it also can give warmth, comfort, and light. We pray not only for the ability to serve, but for the will to carry it out. May God strengthen our heart and focus so that we will boldly serve God whenever, wherever, and however He calls us. The verse says, “Come, holy Fire, comfort true. Grant us the will your work to do, and in your service to abide. Let trials turn us not aside. Lord, by your pow'r prepare each heart and to our weakness strength impart that bravely here we may contend through life and death to you, our Lord, ascend. Alleluia! Alleluia”. Holy Spirit, prepare us. Come, Holy Spirit. Fill us with Your presence. Give us wisdom to understand Your word and faith to live it out each day. Amen