In the Preface to our Book of Worship, Zinzendorf is quoted saying: "The hymnal is a kind of response to the Bible, an echo and an extension thereof. In the Bible one perceives how the Lord communicates with people; and in the hymnal, how people communicate with the Lord."
We have been reading and hearing the story of Moses over the past several weeks. Today's assigned reading ends that cycle with the the death of Moses. It seemed to me right that today we should reflect on Moses' life and ministry. The rest of the readings tell a few of the events in Moses' life as a descendent of Abraham and a prophet of God. We sing our responses as children of God and friends of Jesus Christ.
If you had sent the prophet Moses and not spoken with him face to face, that would have been enough.
If you had spoken with him face to face, but not led your people out of Egypt, that would have been enough.
If you had led your people out of Egypt and not given them your law, that would have been enough.
If you had given them your law and not come to us in Jesus Christ, that would have been enough.
If you had come to us in Jesus Christ and not made us your daughters and sons, that would have been enough.
If you had made us your sons and daughters and not promised that we would be with you, that would have been enough.
How much more, then, should we be grateful to you, for you sent Moses the prophet and spoke with him face to face, you led your people out of Egypt and gave them your law, you came to us in Jesus Christ, made us your own children, and promised that we will live with you forever.