Today’s Thought “Watch Night?” G. Ward

“Unless the Lord builds the house, They labor in vain who build it; Unless the Lord guards the city,
The watchman keeps awake in vain.” Psalm 127:1

We’re told “come as you are” when it comes to our participating in worship unto God; yet when one arrives in what perceivably is their best; we forget the social relativity in their background. It certainly may demand that “hot pants” are acceptable as long as they’re not fluorescent in color.

I’m just arriving home from an intensive session with my personal trainer. She knows me to be a pastor and asked about our watch night services on this Wednesday. I shared, “we’re not having one.” She then replied, “You’ve given your members permission to go partying.” I then shared, if their heart’s desire is to dance and drink the night away, perhaps theirs will win over perceived righteousness. I then furthered my inability to criticize other churches for their potential services by substantiating how wonderful it is when the saints convene no matter the day. Moreover, Holy God is without regard to times and days (cf. Ps. 90:4, Col.2:16). Furthermore the essence in origin (i.e. Watch Night) was particularly proprietary to Black slaves strongly anticipating being emancipated (cf. Freedom’s Eve 1863). While many of this modernity await the New Year in our local churches, they’re soon to hear chants of declarations and decrees of increase (better jobs, more money, bigger houses, new cars, etc.), while forgetting the priesthood of old were subject to death when presumptive thoughts (in the Name of Yahweh) went exercised (Deut. 18:20-22). The slaves awaiting emancipation are said to have been celebratory without regard to freedom or bondage furthered. I’m wondering if any misery will accompany the saints for 2015 (cf. Ro.8:18, Jas.1:2-3) and if they too will praise Him in difficulties?

Happy Monday!