Becoming God's dwelling place

Prepared by: 

Revd. Willingmore Mhlanga

Todays' readings

Psalm 100

Ezekiel 37:15–28

 Revelation 15:1–4

Verse of the day: My dwelling place will be with them; I will be their God, and they will be my people. (Ezekiel 37: 28 CSB)

Psalm 100 is a call to the entire earth to praise and serve God with joy. The psalmist emphasizes gratitude and loyalty to God, who cares for His people. 

For the original audience, and us, we must celebrate not only that God made us but also that we belong to God. The psalm celebrates the enduring quality of God’s covenant love for all generations. 

The psalmist deliberately uses Hebrew terms to deepen his message.  

Vs. 2: The Hebrew word translated as "serve" (or worship) can describe work or service in general, but here it refers to revering or honouring God in formal worship.

The phrase “He made us” (Vs. 3) may be referring to God’s initiative of making Israel into a people for Himself or the recognition of God as the creator of humanity. Also, “…and we are his people” relates to Israel’s status as God’s people. Importantly, it appeals to the strong connections with the exodus and following events (Exodus 6:7; 19:5; Deuteronomy 7:6). Further, in saying, "... the sheep of his pasture," it depicts God as a shepherd who watches over His people.

By referring to “his name" (Vs. 4), it speaks of the intimate knowledge of God’s nature and character rather than a specific label. Thus, the idea behind knowing God’s name is to have a deep love for Him and an awareness of His character and nature. 

The Hebrew term in Vs. 5, usually translated as steadfast/loyal/faithful love, is one of God’s essential characteristics. When matched with the Hebrew word for God’s faithfulness, it pronounces God as absolutely dependable to fulfil His promises. 

God is not a tyrannical king who forces His people to worship Him. On the contrary, loving service must be what we give to God as a grateful response to the grace of God. Each individual/community is called to worship and acknowledge what the LORD has done. Someone may say, “There is nothing significant why the Lord is worthy of my praise and/ or gratitude.” Considered the gift of life today? What about having a place to stay, food, or warm clothing? The hymn says, “Count your blessings, name them one by one, and you will be surprised what the Lord has done.”

Loyal love is also a characteristic God desires in His people—something He desires over sacrifice. Only God must be worshipped. Sadly, some people ignore this truth and lead lives claiming self-sufficiency, lives characterized by pride, selfish pursuit, or dependency on material things. In some cases, some people’s attitudes toward worshipping God are about fulfilling a duty. The right attitude is one of willingly and joyfully praising God because of His goodness and faithfulness.

Ultimately, the call to serve and worship God is His gift to the world - Jesus Christ - the “good shepherd” (Micah 5:2–4, Matthew 2:6; John 10: 11-27). As the good shepherd, Jesus sacrificed His life for the sake of the flock; He knows His sheep; His sheep know Him and follow Him. 

In conclusion, The Heidelberg Catechism (Lord’s day 1: 2) asks:

Q. What must you know to live and die in the joy of this comfort?

A. Three things:

 First, how great my sin and misery are;

 Second, how I am set free from all my sins and misery’

 Third, how I am to thank God for such deliverance.

 

Prayer

We thank you and we praise you, faithful God.

By your power at work within us, may we cheerfully proclaim your goodness,

selflessly show your love, and joyfully come into your presence.

You are our God. We are your people, now and always.

Hallelujah! Amen.