May 25, 2018 - Preparing for the Lord's Day
May 26, 2018Preparing for the Lord's Day
On May 27, 1564, Reformation leader, John Calvin died. Throughout his life-time, Calvin had grown in renown. His systematic theology, The Institutes of the Christian Religion, his commentaries, his letters and his lectures were all known throughout the European continent. However, his desire was never to bring attention to his own name. It was always his will that the name of Jesus be exalted and the name of Calvin fade. Therefore, as he approached death he made a very surprising provision. He was to be secretly buried in an unmarked grave. He requested this unceremonious burial hoping to prevent pilgrimages and shrines in his honor. Calvin had ministered long enough to know that men will make an idol out of just about anything or anyone. Nevertheless, the Lord alone is to be honored and worshipped as holy. In our passage for this week, we come to see the great need of God’s people, the insufficiency of God’s leaders, and the sufficiency of the holy Lord. No matter how great a leader Calvin was he was insufficient to meet the spiritual needs of his people. Only the Lord could supply the needs of a desperate people. To come prepared for the sermon take time this week to read and to meditate upon Numbers 20:1-13, Exodus 17:1-6, Psalm 106:32-33, Hebrews 3 and the article Greater Than Moses.
As we gather to worship our Triune God - Father, Son and Holy Spirit - this Lord’s day, we will join our hearts in song, singing the Hymn of Praise “Alleluia! Alleluia!”, the Acclamation of Praise “Jesus I Am Resting, Resting” and the Hymn of Response “The Reformation Hymn.” 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!