Looking ahead to worship this weekend, our service will be centered around probably the most familiar of all scriptures, Psalm 23. Sitting here this afternoon, however, I must admit that this week's worship does cause some challenges unique to this passage. The familiarity of this passage makes it, in fact, harder not easier to prepare, for almost everyone has their preconceived notion of this texts meaning.
But then again, isn't that part of our problem with understanding any scripture we encounter, either through worship, prayer, study, or by any other means? Once we get in our head what a particular passage is all about, it's quite difficult for us to change our minds.
How much does this thinking get in the way of us allowing God to show us more of the divine grace and Mercy?
We KNOW after all, that this particular passage is what is supposed to be read at funerals, correct? (Or is it?)
We KNOW that the valley of the shadow of death has to do with when we die and go on to heaven, right?
We KNOW that God is going to stick it to our enemies when we read that he prepares a table for us in the presence of our enemies, right?
This is, after all, what this passage is talking about...us...isn't it...? (HINT: It very well may, but probably not in the way you may think.)
Tell ya what - take a long, hard look at it again.
And, while we are at it, let's take a good, long, hard look at our relationship with Christ. Let's see what areas we are taking for granted, what presuppositions we are bringing in that might not necessarily be accurate upon further reflection.
See You Soon!
Lamar
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