February 8

Isaiah 41.9-10

⁹ I took you from the ends of the earth,
    from its farthest corners I called you.
I said, ‘You are my servant’;
    I have chosen you and have not rejected you.
¹⁰ So do not fear, for I am with you;
    do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
    I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

I enjoy the moments when I am in gatherings of people from a variety of places and various backgrounds.  This past Sunday I was in Immanuel CRC in Cornwall for a Classical Appointment.  The congregation has grown over the past few years, and mostly with refugees from a variety of countries.  It has the feel of Acts 2.  The nations of the world coming to Christ together, and with a bit of a chaotic feel to it.  Finding our way to order from our disorder.

I enjoy these moments because it reflects something of the church, and it reflects God’s intentions from the beginning.  Gathered from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners.  Being part of worship, service, or any part of the life of faith within the church.  We see the depth and breadth of the church when we open ourselves to the vastness of God’s people.  And it honours his intent for us, that we reflect the great diversity of people within his creation.

I enjoy these moments because it points forward to the final perfection of God’s people.  As we will see the multitudes depicted by John at the resurrection.  A multitude that no one could count.  A multitude that comes from every possible grouping we could imagine.  Gender, language, region, skin tone, age, era, or any other differences we imagine.  All are part of the renewed Kingdom of God at the resurrection.  And in all these parts – whether from the past, present or future – we see that we are called as part of the people of God.

We offer our thanks and praise to God each day for his call to us, as his people.  We gather in worship to be part of his church, gathered as his people.  We see that we belong with the largest expression of those who follow Jesus, and we thank God that we are part, and that all are able to come to God in the grace of Jesus, in the power of the Spirit.  We thank God for his grace.

Song – Good, Good Father

Prayer

Almighty and merciful God, through your well-beloved Son, Jesus Christ, the King of kings and Lord of lords, you have willed to make all things new.  Grant that we may be renewed by your Holy Spirit and may come at last to that heavenly country where your people hunger and thirst no more and the tears are wiped away from every eye, through Jesus Christ, our Lord.  Amen.