Devotional – February 3, 2017

Beginning our worship services with a liturgy of confession and forgiveness is one of those practices so familiar that most of us probably don’t consider its significance.  In fact, we may not necessarily come to church with an awareness of our sinful nature and the need to be humble before God.  But as worship begins, there is a quiet moment, and together, we share in confessing with all those present the admission of our shortcomings and the wrongs we have done.  Turning to God, we ask for both forgiveness, the strength to do better, and to be able to start anew in carrying out his will for our lives.

Confession and asking for both mercy and calling on God’s creative power to be restored into a right relationship with him has always been part of ancient Jewish tradition, and is expressed throughout the Old Testament.  Although King David was famous, powerful, and successful, he also went against God’s laws and knew in his heart of his sinfulness.  In Psalm 51, David humbles himself before God and begs for mercy, following which he asks God to blot out his sins, and to create him anew, with a clean heart and a right spirit.

Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love;
    according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions.
For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me.  
Against you, you alone, have I sinned, and done what is evil in your sight . . .

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me.
Do not cast me away from your presence, and do not take your holy spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and sustain in me a willing spirit.

– Psalm 51:1, 3-4a, 10-12

There are probably some who think that  beginning worship on what feels like a negative tone isn’t a good way to start, but it’s actually the most positive thing we can do.  As the service continues, we are unburdened and freed to sing God’s praise, to come to him in prayer, and to hear his Word, both as read from the Bible, and in the form of a sermon.  We share our statement of belief in the Apostles’ Creed, and give our offerings in gratitude for all we have received, as well as to further the work of the church both here at home and around the world.  Hearing the invitation to the Lord’s Table, and the words Jesus spoke to the disciples, we can come to the communion rail as the forgiven, grateful children of God.  As we are ready to bring to a close this time of sharing, we hear, “Go in peace.  Serve the Lord” and we wholeheartedly respond, “Thanks be to God!”

Your friend in Christ,
Mary Rogers