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
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!
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