Vision for 2023.  Worship and the Great Commission.

I believe we would all agree that life can be challenging and difficult at times. You might even say, “Life is not fair!” - and you would be right.  No one knew that more than Job.  Job suddenly and tragically lost his sons and daughters in death.  He lost his possessions and his health. He lost everything!  What was his response?  He fell down and worshiped the Lord and blessed His Name!  Yes, Job had more questions than answers.  Yes, Job suffered a time of depression, but Job never lost sight of God’s sovereignty.  Job never lost sight that God was worthy to be worshiped at all times and in all circumstances, “Blessed be the Name of the Lord.”  We read the rest of Job’s story and see that his latter days were blessed “more than his beginning.”  But Job didn’t know how his story would end.  He only knew that His Lord was worthy of worship.  Your story is still being written.  What will they say?  Will they say you worshiped the Lord only during the good times?  Or will they say you worshiped Him at all times!  Like Job you can trust in the sovereignty of God even when life is not fair.  Like Job you can chose to bless His Name -

“Blessed be the Name of the Lord” and say with confidence, “I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.”(42: 2)

At the heart of true worship is the gospel.  That’s why - “I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation, for everyone who believes…” (Romans 1:16)  This gospel brings about not only worship directed toward God, but a change of life style (godly living).  This gospel brings about a lifestyle of praise and thanksgiving.  We were created to worship our creator!

“You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for you created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created.” (Rev. 4:11)

“Great and marvelous are Your works, Lord God Almighty!…for You alone are holy.  For all nations shall come and worship before You.”  (Rev. 15)

“Oh come, let us sing to the LORD!  Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation.” - Psalm 95

Pastor Rodney