February 20, 2022 -- Psalm 84:1-2; 10-11 -- Better is one day in the courts of the LORD of Hosts

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus

TO THE CHOIRMASTER: ACCORDING TO THE GITTITH. A PSALM OF THE SONS OF KORAH.
How lovely is your dwelling place,
O LORD of Hosts!
My soul longs, yes, faints
   for the courts of the LORD;
my heart and my flesh sing for joy
   to the Living God.
For a day in Your courts is better
   than a thousand elsewhere.
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God
   than dwell in the tents of wickedness.
For the LORD God is a sun and shield:
   the LORD bestows favor and honor.
Psalm 84:1-2; 10-11 ESV

The trucker convoy is dismantled. The aftermath politically and socially will linger for a long time. Will you go to church? Will you delight in the fact that your salvation and your honour do not depend on what a government does, what protesters do, what the media portrays or does not portray, will you faithfully turn to Your God and delight in Him?

Our land is experiencing a famine for the Word of the LORD. People are prepared for political discourse all over social media, but are not prepared to go to the House of God twice on a Sunday. People are prepared to express all kinds of pro or anti sentiments with regards to what should be happening, but how willing are you to defy the standards of the world and the cultural norms of the day and get into a church and confess only the LORD can bestow honor and favor?

That word “bestow” is old-fashioned, but so appropriate. When someone bestows a gift or honour to other, it is the greater who in mercy or kindness gives this gift to one who is subordinate. God is the Greatest, beyond description kind and glorious; He stoops to grant to His feeble, wayward people, such generous gifts of honor—to be called His sons and daughters. He grants favor—that is, to live in His presence now and for all eternity.

Return people of God to worship. Gather in the sanctuary blessing and praising God the Most High. Sing to Him. Honour Him. Recognize the convulsions and seething of this age are the birth pangs of the New Heave and the New Earth, when Jesus Christ will return to take all His holy ones with Him. He will judge the nations, He will judge politicians and truckers, protesters and movement organizers. He will examine the heart and life of those whom He judges, did they receive the honour and favor He was so ready to pour out before His return?

Today is the day of salvation. Today is the day of confession of sins. Today is the day of worship and recognizing true glory—the Might and Splendor of God the Father, and the radiance of the Son Who is the exact representation of the Father and the Spirit Who leads all the people who belong to Jesus in joyful procession through all the valleys of death each age presents until the believer is brought into the eternal courts of the LORD of Hosts.

Blessed God, Father of Faithfulness, the hearts of Your people often seek satisfaction in a dozen different places--anywhere except in the lovely place where You have promised You will be: in the midst of Your people. Forgive our pointless wanderings. Thank You for the mercy and favor You show in welcoming Your people to worship. Thank You for the restoration of the heart and soul, the renewal of hope and joy which Your Spirit gives to all who set their hearts on Jesus Christ. Thank You for the blessing You shower on Your people in times of worship. Thank You that You are the Sun of righteousness, Jesus, arising with healing in Your wings. Thank You LORD God, that You shield Your people from the world, the devil, and even our own worst excesses, so it is possible by the power of Your Spirit to spend time in Your courts. Amen.

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