We all know John Wimber used the phrase “Everybody Gets to Play.” His goal was to create opportunities for normal people to do extraordinary things. At LVC we get that. None of us are superstars, yet we each get to participate in the life and mission of the church. One comment I see on social media is that many people who begin attending a church remain “consumers” rather than becoming “contributors.” I can honestly say that each person at LVC does contribute and takes advantage of opportunities to “play.” One opportunity we have now is helping purchase and prepare shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child. Kelsey takes the lead on this every year and does a great job. We also recently had the opportunity to bless the residents at Meadowbrook Rehab with music and ministry with Tamera and Patricia singing and sharing life stories with the residents. There’s communion, and setting up and breaking down equipment, and the list goes on. We are all participants in our community at LVC.
As we continue our study on Psalms of Ascent, Nancy preached from Psalm 128. Her sermon, The Fear of the Lord and Shalom to Your City, reminded us that we can sometimes experience debilitating fear with a sense of dread (think bear headed toward you in the forest). Then there is the fear of the Lord spoken of so often in the Old and New Testament. This fear is one of awe and profound reverence (ex. How Mary felt when the angel appeared to her). When God was about to have Abraham sacrifice Isaac, God said, “Do not lay your hand on the boy or do anything to him, for now I know that you fear God, seeing you have not withheld your son, your only son, from me.” God was pleased. Consequently, blessings of generations have followed. With the fear of the Lord comes close communion with the awesome Giver of all wisdom and peace. This shalom results in blessedness. Proverbs says that the fear of the Lord is a “fountain of life” (14:27) and further teaches: “The fear of the Lord leads to life; then one rests content (at peace), untouched by trouble” (19:23).
Allen picked up the next Ascent Psalm (129). He gave us in a list of ways people are oppressed and historical examples of people who suffered at the hands of their oppressors. The apostle Paul wrote, “We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed” (2 Corinthians 4:8–9). God is for the oppressed, and God’s son modeled his compassion consistently in His time on earth. He taught us in the parable of the sheep and goats: “34 Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ 37 Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ 40 The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’”
God sent his son for the marginalized, the powerless, those being exploited and abused. In 2024, we are God’s ambassadors. We are called to care for the broken. And who is broken? I am, and you are. We are called to love and help our “neighbor.”
God, help us this week to remember your words when we meet people who may look and think differently than us. May we see them as you see them – Your children worthy of love and compassion.
With you on the journey,
Jim Roberson
Pastoral Care Team, Liberty Vineyard Church
(678) 469-8156
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