Dear Church Family,
I just brought up my “Bulletin” folder that I use to prepare our worship services. Currently, the first service listed has the date March 22. I laughed out loud as I looked at it and then told God He has quite a sense of humor. Why? Well, here is how the service was to open:
Call to Worship – Psalm 46:1-3, 10-11
LEADER: God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble.
PEOPLE: Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea;
LEADER: Though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.
PEOPLE: “Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
ALL: The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress!
Hymn #585 “Be Still and Know”
Hymn #151 “A Mighty Fortress”
I must point out that I plan worship two to three weeks in advance. I sent this to Elaine and Sarah on March 2. At that time I had no idea that things would change so much. As March began we had little idea how our way of life would change in just a couple of weeks. The sermon “You Can Trust the Faithful God” is what is posted for the March 29 sermon. Now this psalm and the two opening hymns provide special comfort and hope to God’s people who can rest in His faithfulness.
The psalm contains facts that give us a sure foundation. He is the sure refuge and protector of His people. He is always with us and at work. Whether the crisis is of nature (even a virus) as told in v2-3 or from fellow man in verses 6 and 9, “The Lord Almighty is with; the God of Jacob is our Fortress.”
The psalm closes with a gracious invitation to be still. The suggested isolation most of us are going through now has forced us to be still though many are climbing the walls. While still, God calls us to know Him. Therefore, we must not waste this down time. God calls us to know Him and He even throws in the blessing that will come. He promises, “I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Sarah sang “Be Still and Know” in her hymn medley yesterday. Why not sing along with her?
We were to sing “Be Still and Know” along with the “Battle Hymn of the Reformation” – Martin Luther’s great hymn with the words and thoughts of Psalm 46 “A Mighty Fortress.” Luther wrote it during a plague that killed about 30% of the population of Wittenberg where he lived. The truth of these words have inspired Christians for almost 500 years. Our crisis pales in comparison. The death rate for those known to be infected is less than 2%. Regardless of our situation God is our Fortress!
Pastor Gillikin