The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”
Today’s reading is from Psalm 99
"1 The LORD reigns, let the nations tremble; he sits enthroned between the cherubim, let the earth shake. 2 Great is the LORD in Zion; he is exalted over all the nations. 3 Let them praise your great and awesome name— he is holy.
4 The King is mighty, he loves justice— you have established equity; in Jacob you have done what is just and right. 5 Exalt the LORD our God and worship at his footstool; he is holy.
6 Moses and Aaron were among his priests, Samuel was among those who called on his name; they called on the LORD AND HE ANSWERED THEM. 7 He spoke to them from the pillar of cloud; they kept his statutes and the decrees he gave them.
8 LORD our God, you answered them; you were to Israel a forgiving God, though you punished their misdeeds. 9 Exalt the LORD our God and worship at his holy mountain, for the LORD our God is holy.
For the Lord our God is holy."
This Psalm centers around the holiness of God. Holiness is a characteristic that only comes from God. We tend to think of holiness in terms of morality. But it really means something much more. It means otherness. Or distinctiveness. Or separateness. It is a word that points to the absolute separateness of God from anything that is not-God. Our culture doesn't give much room for that which is holy, and even Christian culture often focuses
on the closeness of God through Christ, rather than His holiness. How does the language of holiness make you feel?
As you listen to the scripture again, consider this: what would it take to compel our totally holy, totally separate, totally exalted God – a Heavenly King – what would it take for that perfect God to descend to the mud and mess of this world.... to put on fleshly limitations... and to take on the nature of a servant?
"1 The LORD reigns, let the nations tremble; he sits enthroned between the cherubim, let the earth shake. 2 Great is the LORD in Zion; he is exalted over all the nations. 3 Let them praise your great and awesome name— he is holy.
4 The King is mighty, he loves justice— you have established equity; in Jacob you have done what is just and right. 5 Exalt the LORD our God and worship at his footstool; he is holy.
6 Moses and Aaron were among his priests, Samuel was among those who called on his name; they called on the LORD AND HE ANSWERED THEM. 7 He spoke to them from the pillar of cloud; they kept his statutes and the decrees he gave them.
8 LORD our God, you answered them; you were to Israel a forgiving God, though you punished their misdeeds. 9 Exalt the LORD our God and worship at his holy mountain, for the LORD our God is holy.
For the Lord our God is holy."
Scripture tells us that while we were still sinners, God came near to make a way for us to stay in proximity to Him. This Holy God - found a way to come close. As we end our time of prayer, reflect on God’s love for you, and try to become aware of His nearness to you right now.
Music Credit:
"Thin Place" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)
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