Sing OUT

 Psalm 98  New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

O sing to the Lord a new song,
    for he has done marvelous things.
His right hand and his holy arm
    have gotten him victory.
The Lord has made known his victory;
    he has revealed his vindication in the sight of the nations.
He has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness
    to the house of Israel.
All the ends of the earth have seen
    the victory of our God.

Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth;
    break forth into joyous song and sing praises.
Sing praises to the Lord with the lyre,
    with the lyre and the sound of melody.
With trumpets and the sound of the horn
    make a joyful noise before the King, the Lord.

Let the sea roar and all that fills it,
    the world and those who live in it.
Let the floods clap their hands;
    let the hills sing together for joy
at the presence of the Lord, for he is coming
    to judge the earth.
He will judge the world with righteousness
    and the peoples with equity.

Reflection

     "Make a joyful noise!" Many of us have heard this as a theological encouragement to sing out in praise and rejoicing to God. This good news broadens to include all those who may not sing with perfect pitch. Some of you may have not heard this encouragement, but were told to sing more quietly or not at all. I say to you, as a worship leader who appreciates quality music, that you should sing OUT. Let your heart sing to God. God knows what it should sound like coming through your pipes! Don't hold back!

Dear Holy Advocate, give us encouragement when we are feeling timid and insecure in our abilities. Guide us to know that all of us can give you praise! Build us up as we lift you up! In your wonderful Name, we pray. Amen.

Inheritance

Ephesians 1:11-23
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

In Christ we have also obtained an inheritance, having been destined according to the purpose of him who accomplishes all things according to his counsel and will, so that we, who were the first to set our hope on Christ, might live for the praise of his glory. In him you also, when you had heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and had believed in him, were marked with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit; this is the pledge of our inheritance toward redemption as God’s own people, to the praise of his glory.

I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, and for this reason I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him, so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may perceive what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe, according to the working of his great power. God put this power to work in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the age to come. And he has put all things under his feet and has made him the head over all things for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.

Reflection

     "Inheritance" comes up as a key word for this text. It isn't how we moderns typically think. our
society and world is so heavily driven by wealth and consumerism that it is difficult to conceptualize a spiritual and real inheritance that does not involve some form of money. Oh, this is property, but you don't and can't own it.

     Today, I have found myself remembering many that I have known through the years that have gone on to the church triumphant. Sometimes I feel like our problems could be resolved with a brief return visit from giants of our past. Oh, what that would be like. Yet, we know there is a great chasm fixed and they are not allowed to cross. Yet, in love, memory, and works of love they are with us and can indeed guide us.

     

O Jesus, make me stronger to be a better witness of your Reign--here and now! In your name, I pray. Amen.