ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
January 30, 2021
Scripture: Psalm 111:1-3
Praise the Lord! I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart, in the company of the upright, in the congregation. Great are the works of the Lord, studied by all who delight in them. Full of honor and majesty is his work, and his righteousness endures forever.
Thought for the Day: The Call to Worship this Sunday echos the opening words of this Psalm. The emphasis will be upon the word “whole,” as everything else sort of depends upon that word. The rest of the Psalm describes how God gives the divine fullness to the world, or what might be described as God’s whole heart. When, by faith, one begins to glimpse the heart of God as displayed in the love of Christ, the response is not, “I might get around to giving a little back to God a week from Tuesday.” There are moments in life when the breath-taking character of something forever changes a person. When you fall in love with someone, you do not say, “I would like to give you 32% of my heart while still giving 68% to something else.” I do not believe that will sweep anyone off his/her feet. And so when the great and majestic work of unconditional love is made real, it is nearly impossible to believe the ways of God deserve only a portion of our hearts.
Prayer: May this day provide me an opportunity, O God, to reflect on what part of my heart has yet to be given to you. What part of my life or priorities, my values or ethics remain mine and only mine? Give me the courage to acknowledge where work is still needed. Amen.
