Getting Ready for Sunday - January 31, 2010

PostedThursday, January 28, 2010 @ 8 AMByPatrick BourckelTaggedNo tags

This week, we will begin our service by proclaiming and delighting in the wonders that God has revealed in His creation. While we as Christians do not believe in pantheism (everything is God), we do believe that the things that have been created display God's character and qualities (see Romans 1:20 - click here). The Nicene Creed states that God is "the creator of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen." We will sing the classic hymn, "This is My Father's World," which echoes that truth: "I rest me in the thought, Of rocks and trees, of skies and seas, His hand the wonders wrought."

We will follow this with a modern song, "Indescribable (2004, by Laura Story)" Hear the song here:

The song uses vivid language and imagery to connect God's works in nature with His divine attributes: "Who imagined the sun and gives source to its light, then conceals it to bring us the coolness of night? None can fathom..." By drawing attention to the God of our world around us, we declare His power and greatness. We affirm that God is above and over all. Consequently, we see ourselves in relation to these truths, leading to a sense of wonder and praise. Some more lyrics from "Indescribable": "Awestruck, we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim: 'You are amazing God!' " Humility and awe are a great place to start when we encounter the living God.

One of the stories that Dale will be telling will be the story of Jacob. As we speak of these Old Testament accounts, it is important to focus on what God says and does. We will sing two songs focusing not on Jacob, but on the God of Jacob. The first, "Your Grace is Enough (2003, by Matt Maher)," tells of the faithfulness, love, and justice of God. This song can be found here:

We will also sing "Give Us Clean Hands (2000, by Charlie Hall)," emphasizing our dependence on God's provision. He is the only one who can give us clean hands and a pure heart. He is the one who credited Abraham's faith as righteousness, and then revealed himself to Isaac and Jacob as the one true God. We depend on Him to reveal Himself, and to work the same faith and righteousness in us.

We close in a continuing spirit of reverence and awe, with the hymn "Worthy of Worship." God alone is "worthy and wonderful, worthy of worship and praise." I pray that we would see this as our primary reason to gather together. We do not gather only to chat with each other about our lives, even though fellowship is a good and healthy aspect of church community. We do not gather only to be intellectually stimulated, although we must learn who God is and apply that knowledge. Our main focus and aim must be to bring worship to God in response to all that He has done for us. We are called to "rejoice in the LORD and take refuge in him; let all the upright in heart praise him! (Psalm 64:10)" and to "declare your power to the next generation, your might to all who are to come. (Psalm 71:18)" I pray that this would be our driving purpose at Long Green Baptist Church.

Take a moment to read Psalm 8 (click here) and meditate on the truth that God, in His infinite power and glory, is mindful of us. How incredible! You are amazing God!

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3 comments

On 1/29/2010 3:35 PM, Dale South said...Patrick,

Thanks so much for giving all of us this heads up and insight into the way God is directing our worship of Him this Sunday. Your words and the song lyrics have me eager to experience our time together in His presence.

On 1/30/2010 3:32 PM, Carolyn Heggie said...In preparation for Sunday, I was reading your comments as the snow was falling beautifully on the grounds. When you said He is the only one who can give us clean hands and a pure heart and that we would be singing "Give Us Clean Hands", I thought of the expression "as white as snow." Our awesome God knows our needs, the greatest need being that of forgiveness of our sins and He has made provision for us through His Son. What a great and wonderful God we have, who is worthy of our worship and praise.

On 1/31/2010 7:43 AM, Dave Opdahl said...Thanks, Patrick!

I keep a picture of the Hubble Deep Field photo at my desk. (http://www.spacetelescope.org/images/html/zoomable/opo0428b.html) As I understand it, they adjusted the aperture down as far as it would go to gain the most distance -- basically pushing the telescope to its limits. The picture may seem somewhat inocuous at first glance, until one comes to understand that the page is littered not with stars, but with galaxies.

I keep the picture to remind myself of just how huge God is and knowing that in the midst of such power and majesty we find mercy and grace.

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