(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 23
2nd Reading: John 10
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil,
for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” (v.4)
Perhaps one of the most comforting psalms, Psalm 23 paints the picture that while God’s people may suffer greatly, they are (1.) never left alone and (2.) their suffering is not without purpose.
- Never left alone: Christians should not ask for suffering to come to them and the reality is that we do not experience suffering in equal measure or degree. It is a lie that all people suffer equally, for that would infer some kind of universal karma. In reality, suffering is both subjective and unequal. To the one who has experienced great trauma, a smaller inconvenience is trivial. Yet to the one who has not suffered greatly, a small inconvenience may feel burdensome. This psalm invites the reader to know God’s presence in every aspect of life, whether we are in need (v.1), whether we are rushing through life (v.2), when we are weary (v.3) and in the darkest moments of our lives (v.4), even when we are being disciplined (v.4b). Take a moment to stop, breathe, and remember Jesus as our good shepherd who lays down his life for his sheep.
- Suffering is not without purpose: Implicit in the “valley of darkness” and “you are with me” is that on the other side of that valley is a horizon. The Lord is leading you exactly where he wants you to go. V.5 can feel strange to us; why would God have us dine in the presence of our enemies? The meaning here is that when one is at war, generally the soldier does anything but dine, rather he eats a meal in haste. With God however, the meal is given so securely that although the enemy is at the door (even in the room), we may have peace to enjoy the meal God is providing. Jesus said, “In this life you will have trouble, but take heart! I have overcome the word” (John 16:33). Although we can’t always understand why we are suffering, we can have the assurance that God remains in control. Don’t allow the suffering of this life to ruin the meal God has prepared for you.
Lastly, remember that Christ is the good the shepherd, that Jesus is the anointed one, and that we feast on the bread of life.
ABIDING
SING
- Jesus With Thy Church Abide | [recording] [sheet music]
- Living Stones | [recording] [sheet music]
WEDNESDAY-CONTEXTUALIZE | Psalm 122
Consider ways that you can let the Psalm form your imagination, that you might share it with others. Perhaps you can journal about it, write poetry or prose, learn a song, create visual art, or re-express it in ways that speak to your context. If you are planning to fellowship with other people this weekend, consider how you might share these imaginations with your community.
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.