Videos

October 03, 2021 - #4803 Music & the Spoken Word

The Music & the Spoken Word broadcast airs live via TV, radio, and internet stream on Sunday at 9:30 a.m. mountain time. For information on other airtimes, visit “Airing Schedules” at musicandthespokenword.org.

This encore performance of Music & the Spoken Word has been specially selected for airing while the Choir and Orchestra are practicing social distancing. It contains a new Spoken Word written and delivered by Lloyd Newell.

Music

Conductor: Mack Wilberg
Organist: Andrew Unsworth
Announcer: Lloyd Newell

“Let Zion in Her Beauty Rise”
Music: Anonymous
Lyrics: Edward Partridge
Arrangement: James C. Kasen

“My Shepherd Will Supply My Need”1
Music: American folk hymn
Lyrics: Psalm 23; paraphrased by Isaac Watts
Arrangement: Mack Wilberg

“Be Thou My Vision” (organ solo)
Music and Lyrics: Irish melody
Arrangement: Andrew Unsworth

“Called to Serve”2
Music: Walter G. Tyler
Lyrics: Grace Gordon
Arrangement: Mack Wilberg

“Love Is Spoken Here”3
Music and Lyrics: Janice Kapp Perry
Arrangement: Sam Cardon

“For I Am Called by Thy Name”1
Music: Crawford Gates
Lyrics: Jeremiah 15:16

“Arise, O God, and Shine”
Music: John Darwell
Lyrics: William Hurn
Arrangement: Mack Wilberg 

  1. On the CD Consider the Lilies and in the CD set Encore Collection.
  2. On the CD Teach Me to Walk in the Light.
  3. On the CD Love Is Spoken Here.

The Spoken Word

Called By His Name

To have a name is to have an identity. Our names give us a sense of both individuality and belonging. They distinguish us from others while at the same time connecting us with our family or culture, teaching us about our origin. A name can be a sign of a special emotional bond, endearing us to loved ones. Besides identifying who we are, a name can inspire us to become who we want to be.

Thousands of years ago, the prophet Jeremiah preached the word of God, and like many prophets, he was ignored, opposed, and rejected. Jeremiah’s name has since come to mean one who laments or predicts disaster.1 But Jeremiah’s relationship with God gave him a sense of identity more profound and exalting. “O Lord,” he said, “thou knowest: remember me, and visit me. . . . Thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O Lord God of hosts” (Jeremiah 15:15–16; emphasis added).

Many people today feel forgotten, unseen, and unheard. Sadly, they may lack a sense of belonging and identity. But no matter who we are or where we come from, we are each part of the family of God. He is our Father, and thereby, in a sense, we carry His name. He knows us inside and out—both who we really are and who we really can become. He will never forget or forsake us, and He watches over us with perfect love.

This is what the Apostle Paul tried to teach the Athenians: “God that made the world and all things therein. . . , hath made of one blood all nations. . . . For in him we live, and move, and have our being. . . , for we are also his offspring” (Acts 17:24, 26, 28).

Jeremiah’s name actually means “The Lord exalts,”2 and what can be more exalting than to know we are all the sons and daughters of God? This is our true identity. This is where we truly belong. We are called upon to help all members of God’s family know where they come from, who they are, and who they can become.

  1. See Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, “Jeremiah.”
  2. See NKJV Foundation Study Bible (2015), footnote for Jeremiah 1:1.