I
will put my words in the mouth of the prophet, who shall speak to them
everything that I command. Anyone who does not heed the words that the prophet
shall speak in my name, I myself will hold accountable. [Deuteronomy 18:18b-19]
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; those who
act accordingly have a good understanding; his praise endures forever. [Psalm 111:10]
...we know that "all of us possess knowledge." Knowledge
puffs up, but love builds up...anyone who loves God is known by him...for us
there is one God...from whom are all things and for who we exist, and one Lord,
Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist.
[1 Corinthians 8:1, 2b, 6]
Jesus...entered the synagogue and taught. They were astounded at
his teaching...Just then there was a man with an unclean spirit, and he cried
out...But Jesus rebuked him...and the unclean spirit came out...they were all
amazed... [Mark 1:21b, 22b, 23, 24a, 26a, 27]
When was the
last time you were amazed or astounded by Jesus? Or, maybe you haven't been but
might like to be? I've been very moved during a retreat, in Sunday worship, by
hymns and readings, in my personal prayer, and in other ways ~ yet, reading
this account from Mark, I'm suddenly aware that, whether through unconscious
assumptions, a mild case of apathy, perhaps even some complacency, my sense of
amazement and wonder is seriously lacking. Jesus has been a part of my life for
so very long I guess I've been taking it all for granted, as if it's all
easily understood, as if "I know this…I know Him."
How is the awe recaptured or discovered?
As for
the "fear" that the Psalmist speaks of, I do
remember that as a child I learned, by accident or design through my
religious instruction in a parochial school, to be afraid of God,
terrified at times that my misbehavior was grounds for eternal damnation. It's
hard to distance oneself from that kind of image and language. So how can I
begin to have wisdom if I am thoroughly frightened of my Creator who, I
was also told, loves me and who I am supposed to love?
This fear "of
the Lord" isn't meant to be the kind of fear we associate with being scared
and worried, or afraid of being in trouble. Rather, the ancient sense of the
word tells us that in being filled with love, respect, and awe, we
will fervently desire to be faithful in our daily lives, offering
ourselves to God through our thoughts and actions. It's the kind of
"fear" or concern or care that we have when we don't want to upset,
offend, or anger anyone we truly love. It’s more an utmost respect than
terror.
If we
consciously engage with God through Scripture, worship, and prayer with more
intention, if we sincerely want to know God the Creator, Jesus the Son, and the
Holy Spirit, from whom all things are, and for whom we all exist [1
Cor 8:6], our wisdom will increase, our amazement will take hold,
and we will want to learn more and grow in the Spirit. With faithfulness and
awe of God as our life's primary work, our little forays into eating in
the temple of an idol [1 Cor 8:10], that is, giving in to the
earthly temptations and everyday distractions that surround and
pull us away from God, will be easier to overcome.
It is
time, once again or for the first time, to discover that amazement, to be
astounded at the life and work and words of Jesus, to open our daily life and make
more frequent prayers with true wonder, love, and praise. What can happen? It
can be an awe-filled experience! Here's a way to begin, start well, and
just sing out with gusto. (Don’t know
it? Look for “How Great Thou Art on YouTube there are many versions) [composed by Carl Gustav
Boberg in Sweden in 1885, translated into English by British missionary Stuart
K. Hein]
O Lord my God, When I in awesome wonder,
Consider all the worlds Thy Hands have made;
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder,
Thy power throughout the universe displayed.
Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art.
LET US, GOD’S PEOPLE, PRAY
Leader: ~ O
Lord, Our God, arouse and provoke
us to rediscover amazement and awe in Your faithfulness, justice, and
righteousness. Turn us away from the puffery of mere knowledge and the empty
glamor in modern temples of idolatry, to full engagement and accountability in
the work You have given us to do.
Gracious,
Compassionate Lord
RESPONSE: You know us by our Love
~ O Lord, Our God, embolden our resolve to demand of those in
authority in this World, in this Country, and in this Community, the
fulfillment of basic needs, economic and racial justice, and mercy for all Your
people, as the fundamental necessities for peace, human rights, and the moral
and ethical survival of our souls. We pray especially for: add your own petitions
Gracious,
Compassionate Lord
You
know us by our Love
~ O Lord, Our
God, warm the spirits of all who are confined by serious illness, anxiety, or
loneliness, and re-kindle the energy of all who give them care. We now
join our hearts to pray for those in need… add your own
petitions
Gracious,
Compassionate Lord
You
know us by our Love
~ O Lord, Our God, help our hearts rejoice as You clothe the
newly departed with Your garments of heavenly splendor and abiding peace.
We pray especially for… add your own petitions
Compassionate Lord
You
know us by our Love
~ O Lord, Our
God, we pause in this moment to offer You our other heartfelt
thanksgivings, intercessions, petitions, and memorials… add your own
petitions
Compassionate Lord
You
know us by our Love
~ O Lord, Our God, place Your Voice in the words of all who
lead us in the Church, to speak to us as Your true prophets that we may hear
and heed Your wisdom. We pray especially for: add your own
petitions
Compassionate Lord
You
know us by our Love
The Celebrant adds: O God
of Truth and Equity, from Whom all things are and for Whom we all exist, free
our spirits from all that is unclean and build us up in love. Re-ignite our
desire to be Your faithful and faith-filled servants, constantly astounded
by the breadth and depth of Your Power and Glory. This we ask through
Christ Jesus, our Messiah; and the Counsel of the Holy Spirit; who together
with You live and reign as One God, infinite and eternal, now and
forever. Amen.
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