The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. This Sunday, we hear the beautiful and comforting words of Psalm 23. We also hear the words of Isaiah, about our loving God who conquers even death, and acts to wipe away our tears (Isaiah 25:1-9). We are reminded by the apostle Paul that the Lord is always near to us. “Do not worry about anything,” Paul writes, even from a prison cell. “In everything by prayer & supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God – and peace of God which passes all understanding, will guard your hearts & minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:1-9). And we are blessed with another parable of Jesus, comparing the Kingdom of Heaven to a great banquet. We are reminded of God’s never-ending, always-extending invitation for all to participate in the joy of God’s kingdom work for the world, even in spite of our human excuses and rejection. (Matthew 22:1-14). Paul’s further words from Philippians 4 inspire us as we continue to move Forward in Faith together: “Rejoice in the Lord always – again I say, rejoice …. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. Keep on doing the things you have learned and received and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you!”
Permission to podcast / stream the music in this service obtained from ONE LICENSE, License #A-727349 and CCLI Streaming License: CSPL161919. All rights reserved.
We Are Called; Text: David Haas; Music: WE ARE CALLED, David Haas Text and music© 1988 GIA Publications.
The Table; CCLI Song # 7028956; Chris Tomlin | Ed Cash | Wayne Jolley; © 2014 S. D. G. Publishing (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)
Soul, Adorn Yourself with Gladness; Text: Johann Franck, tr. Lutheran Book of Worship; Music: SCHMÜCKE DICH, Johann Crûger; Text © 1978 Lutheran Book of Worship, admin. Augusburg Fortress