Ordinary Time
January 24, 2018
Scripture Reading: Psalm 111
Praise the Lord!
I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart,
in the company of the upright, in the congregation.
Great are the works of the Lord,
studied by all who delight in them.
Full of honor and majesty is his work,
and his righteousness endures forever.
He has gained renown by his wonderful deeds;
the Lord is gracious and merciful.
He provides food for those who fear him;
he is ever mindful of his covenant.
He has shown his people the power of his works,
in giving them the heritage of the nations.
The works of his hands are faithful and just;
all his precepts are trustworthy.
They are established forever and ever,
to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness.
He sent redemption to his people;
he has commanded his covenant forever.
Holy and awesome is his name.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
all those who practice it have a good understanding.
His praise endures forever.
The totality of the above scripture could be the bases for a book on the character of God and how we are called to reflect that character in our lives. Today, I will briefly deal with living a life that honors God and ourselves, being faithful, and developing wisdom.
Our culture gives at least lip service to the honor of those in military service, police, and firefighters. I qualify that statement because I believe if we respected what the military does we would pay participants a living wage. The descriptor “honor” regarding other professions has lost its luster. The guys who put a new roof on my house a few years ago after a hail storm obliterated it worked 12 hour-days in 105-degree heat to restore my home. Knowing there were hundreds of other homes awaiting their skills. God sees the work that we do to honor God and respect God’s children. We might work a little harder in emulating that aspect of God’s character also.
After 70+ years of marriage, a husband holds the hand of his wife as she slips away faithful to the end. As my mother aged and lost the capacity to do much of the work she once did in service to God, she never let it stop her from doing something. She was a dedicated card-sender and even after losing the ability to write she dedicated much time to praying for others.
Fear of God recognizes God’s awesomeness exacting reverence in response. Seeking to see the world through the eyes of God better prepares us for serving in the world.
Prayer: God of Love, give us glimpses of your character so we can faithfully honor you through our lives as we grow in wisdom. Amen.