THE CALL
Holy Trinity, who is undivided and infinitely one, let us celebrate our union with you and with your Church, that we might encourage one another to live as though we have eternal life, as we reflect your image through our unity.
CONFESSION
Eternal God, we confess that we do not live as though we believe in eternal life. You are infinitely united as one, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and are preparing a place in heaven for us to be completely united together as your people, but we often want your presence without the unity it brings. Give us the joy of connectedness and the excitement to pursue unity on earth. As we wait for heaven, pour out your blessings so that they cover all of our relationships.
MEDITATION | John 17:22-23 [ESV]
The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.
SING Psalm 133 | How Good It Is [recording] [lead sheet]
How good it is when we dwell within your will
When unity for all your people you restore
We live as though we have life forevermore
When we share in the peace you pour from Zion’s hill
When we share in the peace you pour from Zion’s hill
Oh, how good it is
Oh, how good it is
Oh, how good it is
When we dwell within you will
WORD
Reading: Psalm 137
The setting of Psalm 137 brings its Jewish listeners back to their time in Babylon as exiles. While it might be difficult for us as modern Christians to reconcile retribution with God’s grace, we have to remember the historical context of the Israelite captivity. The act of exile itself would have been the most disorienting experience for any Jew at the time. After having been promised a legacy of blessing and everlasting royalty, the reality of displacement would have instilled the greatest sense of instability and fear. And while in this most vulnerable state, Israel fell victim to such heinous crimes as seeing their infants senselessly murdered (v. 9).
As is done through the Scriptures, God’s justice is not just an arbitrary act of His will but of one very closely tied with His holiness. There is no place for sin in the presence of God. So for especially those who witness explicit injustice on a regular level, knowing that there is a system of accountability provides a great comfort and hope. And we don’t have to go far to see how this is applicable today. For our Ukrainian brothers and sisters for whom this is a daily reality, God’s just retribution is a praise on their lips. For anyone who has fallen victim to the brokenness of God’s Creation, the Lord’s character promises restoration. For those who have ever been persecuted or oppressed for their faith in Jesus and persevered, we hear our Master’s words over us: “Well done, good and faithful servant” (cf. Matt. 25:23).
– Nameun Cho
ABIDING
TUESDAY
READ | Psalm 133
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.
SING: Gloria Patri
Glory be to the Father
And to the Son and to the Holy Ghost
As it was in the beginning
Is now and ever shall be world without end
Amen Amen
SENDING
PRACTICE
- Think of one person from church today that you can intentionally encourage. Perhaps you can call them, send a quick note, or help them with a need today. Perhaps you simply need to pray for a forgiving heart towards a brother or sister.
PRAYER
Our Father in heaven,
Jesus who redeems us,
Spirit who is with us,
may we live in your kingdom now,
unified by your love.
Give us the encouragement we need,
to celebrate with confidence the blessings of heaven,
even as we still suffer by the hands of others.
Save us from bitterness and strife,
remove the presence of evil,
for yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever,
Amen.