February 16, 2018 - Preparing for the Lord's Day
February 16, 2018Preparing for the Lord's Day
To represent one’s country in the Olympics is one of the greatest honors an athlete can achieve. This week, many of us have watched as competitors in skiing, skating and other winter sports have sought to win gold, not just for themselves, but for their country. While only one person wins the cross-country skiing event, the achievement is counted among the other metals won by the country. As I write, Germany leads the metal count. And Germans can proudly say, “We are winning!” Yet, very few Germans had anything to do with their victories. Just as very few of us have anything to do with the metals the U.S. wins. Nevertheless, we are represented by our athletes. Their defeats are our defeats and their victories our victories. When the metal is donned by an individual, it is the national anthem that is played. In our passage for this week, we read about the cleansing of the Levites. They are set aside to represent the nation of Israel before the Lord. Their service is done not just for themselves or their family but for all who are united as Israelites. What we will see is that as representatives of the people they must meet certain requirements, requirements that will make them a suitable substitute for the people. To come prepared for the sermon, take time this week to read and to meditate upon Numbers 8:5-26, Romans 3:21-31, Hebrews 7:23-28 and Westminster Confession of Faith 11.
As we gather to worship our loving Father this Lord’s day, we will join our hearts in song, singing the Hymn of Praise “How Great Thou Art”, the Acclamation of Praise “Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven” and the Hymn of Response “My Hope Is in the Lord”. Let us come to worship this Sunday prepared to hear God’s Word, to receive it in faith, to love and treasure it in our hearts, and to practice it in our lives that we may continue to glorify and enjoy Him