Bach's Jesu Meine Freude and Romans 8:1

Bach's Jesu Meine Freude and Romans 8:1

I love the way Luther’s German Bible states Romans 8:1, “So ist nun nichts Verdammliches an denen, die in Christo Jesu sind, die nicht nach dem Fleisch wandeln, sondern nach dem Geist.” (LGB)  The AV translates this verse, “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” (KJV)  J.S. Bach’s text in his Motet Jesu Meine Freude reads as Follows,” Es ist nun nichts, nichts, nichts, Verdammliches an denen, die in Christo Jesu sind, die nicht nach dem Fleische wandeln, sondern nach dem Geist.”  His musical setting emphasizes the fact that there is not, not, not any condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus. 

What a wonderful fact that we can be without any condemnation in God’s sight.  The German makes it so clear that a Christian does not have to wander after the flesh (“die nicht nach dem Fleische wandeln sondern nach dem Geist.”)!!!  Praise God ,He has made it possible for the Christian to live a life in the Spirit rather than to have to wander throughout life in a manner that is not after God.  It is true that Jesus in my Friend i.e. Jesu Meine Freude.

Prayer for the Day

Thank You precious Lord for being a friend of all of us who were once dead in trespasses and sins.  Truly, You are my friend.  You are my great friend because You had the power to forgive me of all my sins.  Because of Your great  You made it possible for me to live in this sin cursed world without having to walk or wander around  after the flesh.  Thank You making it possible for me to not, not, not have any condemnation for sin.  This I am gratefully praying in Your strong and forgiving name.  Amen.