Fellowship "Elbow Bump" for July 10
Our World Belongs to God 43
Things are starting to loosen up! So glad! Yesterday I had three face-to-face times with real live people, and even received two actual elbow bumps! I hope life is starting to find a new rhythm for you, too. Let's remember those for whom a new normal is not easy or good, and find ways to help.
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We continue on this week with the"Contemporary Testimony: Our World Belongs to God."
Paragraphs 1-6: Preamble (April 11-29)
Paragraphs 7-12: Creation (April 30-May 8)
Paragraphs 13-17: Fall (May 11-15)
Paragraphs 18-22: Redemption (May 18-22)
Paragraphs 23-27: Jesus Christ (May 25-29)
Paragraphs 28-30: Holy Spirit (June 1-2, 5)
Paragraphs 31-33: Revelation (June 8-10)
Paragraphs 34-40: God's New People (June 11-19)
Paragraphs 41-54 The Mission of God's People (June 23-)
Paragraph 43 (Today)
Jesus Christ rules over all.
To follow this Lord is
to serve him wherever we are
without fitting in,
light in darkness,
salt in a spoiling world.
[On the rule of Christ over the whole world, see Philippians 2:9-11, Colossians 1:15-20, and Revelation 11:15; on being light, salt, and not fitting in, see Matthew 5:13-16 and Romans 12:1-2.]
There is so much packed into the few words of Paragraph 43 and the accompanying Scripture passages. The Lordship of Jesus Christ, cosmic in scope, yet transforming our individual lives. Our willing service to him, with knees bent and praises lifted high. Being in the world as seasoning which enhances food and light which dispels darkness, yet content to not fit in.
This is so important for the times we live in, to be reminded that Jesus is Lord and we are not. He is Lord over the worldwide pandemic. Lord over the unjust systems that need to be undone. Lord over all the peoples of the earth, with our inequities and divisions. And he is is likewise Lord of my day to day interactions, so simple during this season, yet so crucial.
Our song today is Hillsong's "Cornerstone."
"Jesus, reign as Lord over my life. Thank you that you established your Lordship on the cross. Help me to follow you there, knowing that you will use my humble life of service for your Lordship and the Father's glory."
Pray with me as our Lord taught us to pray,
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come,
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
Forgive us our debts,
As we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
Go with this blessing:
The Lord bless you and keep you;
The Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you;
The Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.