The Testimony of Martyrdom
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Run the Race
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Rest for Your Soul
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I Will Meditate on Your Law
“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.” Psalm 1:1-2
Delight is probably not the first word that comes to mind when thinking about laws or rules. Perhaps words like obligation or duty are more common. At the very least, laws stand as the line between what you can do and what you cannot do. They are the walls between righteous and unrighteous. Most certainly something worthy of our meditation.
But how can we delight in such a task? For us, there is a unique, nearly crushing, weight to the words, “I must.” Especially when you are not up to the task of fulfilling those duties placed upon you. Fear, doubt, sorrow, anger, resentment, disappointment all rush in to fill the gap between what you should be doing and what you are actually doing. So how Lord? How am I supposed to delight in your law when it kills me every time I take it up?
There is a comfort in knowing. There is a unique freedom in order. There is an overwhelming delight when things go according to plan. While we may not experience that in full now. We know God’s law will reign forever. There in the heavenly places we will not struggle with God’s law but delight in it fully. We will finally get to enjoy righteousness.
Pastor Tommy
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Hero of Heroes
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Easter Vigil
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Doubt
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Stand Firm
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Holy Words and Sacred Spaces
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In the Name of God
What does it mean to invoke the name of God? Perhaps Luther’s explanation of the second commandment can give us some insight, “We should fear and love God so that we do not curse, swear, use satanic arts, lie, or deceive by His name, but call upon it in every trouble, pray, praise, and give thanks.” The name of God, the name above all names, isn’t meant to be used in nefarious ways or in some flippant manner. Instead, it is to be used in a reverent and holy manner befitting of who God is. Of course, I am sure you know this. But how often do we really consider the Lord’s name and greatness that it bears? For to call on the Lord’s name is to call upon the Lord Himself. Names do not exist in a vacuum but are attached to someone. Typically, when you call someone’s name, they give you their attention. It is no different for the Lord.
That is why we start our service with the Invocation. We call upon the name of the Lord so that He comes to us and blesses us. We do not call upon God to simply be a spectator to what is happening Sunday morning but instead to be the one acting for us, forgiving our sins, teaching us His word, and strengthening us with His grace. The Lord promises us that when we call, He will answer. Praise be to God that He does! Brothers and sisters, we need not fear the presence of God because of His Son Jesus. Jesus has brought us from sinner to saint so that the Father make look upon us and bless us according to His grace. So, when we call upon the Lord, we are not visited by a wrathful judge but a wise and loving father. One who continues to uphold us to this day. So next time you hear the invocation know the Lord is with you and has come to bring blessings untold.
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