Psalm
67:1-7 - This is the Psalm portion from which the Introit for next
Sunday is taken. The antiphon is taken from verse 3, “Let the People praise You O God, let the people praise You.”
The word for today
based on Psalm 67 is the word “Service.”
We gather publicly for a worship service. Then in love we spend our time
in service to our neighbor. During the past several months the question has
been asked frequently, “which work is
essential?” Which is essential for
the Christian, worshipping God or serving the neighbor? To which we reply,
“Yes!” You really can’t separate the two. Both are necessary. Both are
essential.
The Psalmist
exclaims, “O Lord, I love the habitation
of your house and the place where your glory dwells.” - Psalm 28:6 and again, in Psalm 122:1 David
teaches, “I was glad when they said to
me, “Let us go to the house of the LORD.”
Jesus
proclaims, “‘Truly, I say to you, as you
did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’ –
Matthew 25:40 In the book of Hebrews we
are reminded, “For God is not unjust. He
will not forget your work and the love you have shown for His name as you have
ministered to the saints and continue to do so.” – Hebrews 6:10
Jesus said, You shall love the Lord your God with all
your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and
first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as
yourself. Matthew 22:37-39
Worshipping
God and serving your neighbor – both are essential to the Christian faith.
Slowly our
state has been opening up and we are being allowed to add to our list of
activities. Of course, public worship is that one activity which we should
cherish. We still are being advised to practice precise sanitation protocols
and social distancing. When you feel comfortable worshipping with us please
come. If your prefer pastoral care in your home by all means contact me.
Throughout the
centuries pandemics have occurred and God’s people have always responded in
loving service. In every opportunity as you are given to attend to your
neighbor do so in loving service. Remember always, in Christ you are free; free
to worship, free to serve, free to love. May the Lord use you to be an
instrument of His peace.
Almighty God
You show mercy to Your people in all their troubles. Grant us always to
recognize your goodness, give thanks for Your compassion, and praise Your Holy
name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
With all your
heart, copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things
Collect for Proper 23 Series C, Lutheran Service
Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis
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