GATHERING
THE CALL | 1 Corinthians 1:10 [ESV]
I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.
CONFESSION | City Reformed Confession # 171
Triune God, you are perfectly one, though three persons. As we draw near to you, we know that we have not always gathered united. Forgive us the sins of disunity, O Lord: pride, jealousy, and narrow-mindedness. Forgive us the sins of false unity: lack of imagination, apathy, and indifference. On the cross, you’ve paid the price for our sins, and in your resurrection, you have invited us into a life of hope and a life of love and renewal in God’s family. We hear your promises, Lord, we believe your Word. Help us in our unbelief. Amen
ASSURANCE | Hebrews 13:14–16 [ESV]
For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come. Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.
SING | Doxology [sheet music]
Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Amen
WORD
Read Psalm 19
2nd Reading: Romans 1
(PS 19:14) “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be acceptable in your sight,
O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.”
The first thing to notice in this psalm is that the beginning verses concern God’s creating by the power of his Word and the ending verses concern the words and meditations of the psalmist’s heart. The subject then of this psalm is on not just the power of words, but that God created all things through the power of his word and by this word man is provided with God’s law instructing him on how to live well. Conversely, the message implies what can bring death if man does not abide by God’s revealed Word.
There is a second concept that is introduced in the first part of this psalm, and that is the metaphor of God’s word-made creation pictured as the rising of the sun. Just as the sun shines light onto all of creation, so man cannot escape the law of the Lord, revealed as clearly as the light of the sun to all the earth. Creation itself bears witness to the creator and that his creation has a purpose.
While there is general revelation, (that when we look at creation we can conclude a creator), so there is specific or special revelation. Special revelation is where the psalmist goes next, to the law of the Lord, his commandments.
Perhaps in your life you have questioned whether God’s law is really good. Is it really good to view sexuality the way God calls us to? Is it really good to always tell the truth? Is it really good to worship God alone? As surely as we can look at the light of the sun, just as surely can we affirm that God’s word is light and that light is good.
Just as surely as we can look at Jesus, his life, his love, and his resurrection, just as certain are we that his commands for our lives are good. Pray that God would reorient your hearts through Christ, to love his law and thus his commandments for our lives. (Joseph Bianco)
ABIDING
SING
- Jesus With Thy Church Abide | [recording] [sheet music]
- Living Stones | [recording] [sheet music]
TUESDAY
READ | Psalm 122
Spend time understanding and memorizing the outline of the Psalm, taking special note of the flow or transition points. If you are in a group, discuss the main themes and emphasis together.
SENDING
Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, and born of the virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; He descended into hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.
Amen.
SPEAK PEACE
Psalm 122 says, “I will say, “Peace be within you!” Find someone from your church community and speak peace to them today. Intentionally tell them how you intend to seek their good as a member of God’s people.