Our scripture this morning is Psalms 100:1-5.
Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come into his presence with singing. Know that the Lord is God. It is he that made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise. Give thanks to him, bless his name. For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.
Praise and worship are our response to God’s love. Because He made us for relationship with Himself and each other, we are to share His love and care for His creation (Genesis 1:28-31). This is the first covenant between God and His people – He has given us everything and we are to look after it as He does.
He is constant and unchanging in His care for us and we offer Him our thanks by worshiping as a community. By joining together to recognize what He has done for us we remember “it is He that made us and we are His.” As the “sheep of His pasture” we follow His guidance and enjoy His presence and protection.
God calls us to be the caretakers of all creation, an amazing blessing, but a task we can only accomplish with His help. Through our worship we gain a renewed sense of His love and our responsibility. We praise Him for His greatness and go in His name to serve.
Gracious God, we are humbled that You have given us everything and ask us to be part of what You are doing in the world. May we go in joyful obedience to do Your will. Amen.
