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God of the Sparrow ~ Hymn 22

By: Alan Harvey

Posted: May 12, 2020

Category: Daily Devotional

Devotional Thoughts Based on the Glory to God Hymnal

Jonah 1:7 – 2:10

The sailors said to one another, come, let us cast lots so that we may know on whose account this calamity has come upon us. So, they cast lots, and the lot fell on Jonah.”

The above text is that shown as an allusion to God of the Sparrow. The following text seems to be a better allusion to the hymn.

But the Lord provided a large fish (whale) to swallow up Johan; and Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights. Then the Lord spoke to the fish, and it spewed Jonah out upon the dry land.

God of the Sparrow is a relatively modern hymn that has quickly become a favorite hymn of many people. Jaroslav J. Vajada wrote the words and Carl F. Schalk composed the music. The commentator has written: “Though a lack of punctuation makes this text appear freeform and the flowing tune enhances a sense of movement, each stanza here is firmly anchored by a final weight word (praise, save, thanks, life, peace, home), a sign of God’s eternal presence in an everchanging world.”

Prayer

O God, the story of Jonah is a favorite of many people. We are grateful that you are patient with those who stray and ever ready to welcome the prodigal’s home. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.