Reading from Psalm 33
Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear him,
on those who hope in his steadfast love,
that he may deliver their soul from death
and keep them alive in famine.
Our soul waits for the LORD;
he is our help and our shield.
For our heart is glad in him,
because we trust in his holy name.
Let your steadfast love, O LORD, be upon us,
even as we hope in you.
(Psalm 33:18–22 ESV)
Exhortation
What the Psalmist reveals, in part, the New Testament reveals, in full—namely, that through Jesus Christ, the Lord delivers those who hope in him from death. Those who are united to Christ will be raised, like Him, on the final day to eternal life with God. The resurrection unto eternal life is the central hope of the Christian faith. It is what the apostle Paul said he would press on to attain by any means necessary. And it is a glorious thing to reflect on and to stir our heart’s affections as we begin our time of worship together. Let’s go to the Lord in prayer.
Prayer of Preparation
Lord, we are surrounded by death at all times. From Covid 19 to cancer, to violence in our local and national news, to conflict in the Middle East – we are reminded that death is an enemy. Yet, though we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, we will not fear, for You are with us. You have given us your Son and Your sure promises that those who set their hope in Him would not perish but have eternal life.
As we sing and pray today, Spirit, let our hearts and minds be lifted up. We are dull of heart and mind and are forgetful people. Refresh our memory today in worship. Remind us of our eternal inheritance and help us to rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory.
May these words of our mouths and the meditations of my hearts be pleasing in your sight, LORD, our Rock, and our Redeemer (Psalm 19:14). Amen.