Lord – Planter, Pastor, Preacher

Vessels of Mercy

Let us show compassion and mercy as God has shown compassion and mercy to us. Our standard for mercy is neither our neighbor nor ourselves but God, as Jesus said, “Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful” (Luke 6:36). Just as we are not God’s judge, we are not our neighbor’s either. Jesus said being a “neighbor” is defined by showing mercy (Luke 10:36-37), and James taught, “Mercy triumphs over judgment” (Jas. 2:13). If we are indeed “vessels of mercy” it stands to reason that mercy will flow from us to others.

Neighbor, Savior, Lord

Jesus summarized the Decalogue simply: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. And…You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Matt. 22:37-39). It is a brilliant, comprehensive yet succinct understanding of God’s Moral Law. It is also clear in its inclusion: God, my neighbor, and me. Of course, only the fool questions who God is (Ps. 14:1), and I know who I am, but who is my neighbor? Is my neighbor my friend but not my enemy? Is my neighbor my social or political tribe but not yours? Is my neighbor those I like but not those I dislike or those who dislike me? Who is my neighbor?

The New Covenant Supper

In our communion with Christ by his Spirit, we also enjoy communion with one another, a fellowship of the church. The Lord’s Supper is not an individual meal to be eaten in isolation but is a family meal to be eaten in fellowship with one another.

He Who Is God

Indeed, He is God and there are no others, but there are plenty of false gods that seek our attention and devotion. In Christ we have been redeemed as the sole possession of the one, true God.

Victory Song

While the pragmatist may think this redundant and unnecessary, this is a beautiful picture of victorious praise: Our victorious praise may vary in mode but never in substance. May we never tire of singing of our redemption in Christ. May we never grow weary of celebrating the glorious triumph of Christ’s death and resurrection.

Know the Lord

Moses trusted in God as He had revealed Himself, serving as a temporary prophet and mediator but awaiting the reward of his eternal Prophet, Priest, and King.