Sunday, March 14
One of the reasons that fasting
is part of the Lenten season is to help us seek to be satisfied in our
God rather than the ephemeral pleasures around us. Yes, of course we
need food to survive, but Lenten fasts usually mean giving up a luxury,
like desserts or a favorite TV show (or Facebook, these days!). It is a
clear reminder that nothing else will bring us true joy and
satisfaction. God puts it this way when he speaks through the prophet
Isaiah: "Why spend money on what is not bread, and your
labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is
good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare. Give ear and
come to me; hear me, that your soul may live. (Isaiah 55:2-3)" When
Jesus is tempted during his 40-day fast in the wilderness to turn
stones into bread, and satisfy his physical hunger, he responds, "Man
does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the
mouth of God...(Matthew 4:4)" Let us seek to come to God, as He is
revealed in His word, for our fulfillment. In Him we will find a Savior
who is more than enough for all our needs.
SONGS:
We
will begin with the song "You Alone (1998, David Crowder and Jack
Parker)." God alone is the one who can save us and fill our lives with
His love. As we sing, "You have given me more than I could ever have
wanted," we remember the greatest work of Christ - done at the cross.
We didn't want His salvation while we were sinners, but that is exactly
when He came and freely gave Himself for us.
"Enough
(Chris Tomlin and Louie Giglio, 2002)" is a song about finding our
satisfaction in God alone. We sing that God is our very "breath of
life." Breathing is such a poignant reminder of our needs as humans.
Every second of every day we are dependent on our lungs functioning
properly, and on the environment around us providing enough oxygen.
This physical reality is a wonderful picture of the spiritual reality
of our dependence on God. Whether we always acknowledge it or not, we
are wholly dependent on a sovereign God to sustain and provide for us.
The
choir will present an anthem, "You Are the Christ," which depicts the
apostle Peter declaring this truth. As we discuss the next chapter in
the story of Creation to the Cross, we will see God's provision of the
Messiah, the chosen Savior. It is yet another declaration of our need
for Him alone.
We will sing "In Christ Alone (Keith and
Kristyn Getty, 2001)" an incredibly rich modern hymn. We touch on
Christ's birth, death, and resurrection, and proclaim that Christ alone
is our light, strength, and song.
"Garments
of Praise (Jamie Harvill, 1999)" is a song of hope and expecting. We
seek to see God's joy and gladness pour throughout our dry and thirsty
land. We sing of fixing our eyes on Him, and that His joy is our only
strength. Enjoy the rowdy Celtic version:
We
close with the hymn, "Like a River Glorious." A song of assurance, we
sing and hope in this promise: "They who trust Him wholly, find Him
wholly true." May we find by putting our whole trust and faith in God
that He is more than we could ever ask or imagine. His love and
faithfulness have no match in the things of this world, and He delights
to prove Himself worthy of our praise.
In Him,
Patrick Bourckel