Introduction to the Word for Worship
The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; *
the testimony of the Lord is sure,
and gives wisdom to the simple.
-Psalm 19:7
Six facets of divine revelation: "Law (tôrâ) is the comprehensive term for God’s revealed will. Testimony (‘ēdût) is its aspect as truth attested by God himself (cf. 1 John 5:9); it is also a term for his covenant-declaration (cf. Exod. 25:16 with, e.g., Deut. 9:9). Precepts and commandment indicate the precision and authority with which God addresses us, while fear, or reverence, emphasizes the human response fostered by his word. Ordinances, or judgments (mišpāṭîm), are the judicial decisions he has recorded about various human situations (cf. on 18:22). Together, these terms show the practical purpose of revelation, to bring God’s will to bear on the hearer and evoke intelligent reverence, well-founded trust, detailed obedience. -Derek Kidner (bold text added)
The Collect of the Day
Heavenly Father, you have made us for yourself, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you: Look with compassion upon the heartfelt desires of your servants, and purify our disordered affections, that we may behold your eternal glory in the face of Christ Jesus; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
The Word:
(Click on the links below to read Sunday's passages)
First Reading: Exodus 20:1-21
Psalm 19:7-14 (follows the playlist below)
Second Reading: Romans 7:12-25
Gospel Reading: John 2:13-22
(click below on the Spotify Playlist to listen)
Psalm 19:7-14
7 The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; *
the testimony of the Lord is sure,
and gives wisdom to the simple.
8 The statutes of the Lord are right, and rejoice the heart; *
the commandment of the Lord is pure,
and gives light to the eyes.
9 The fear of the Lord is clean, and endures for ever; *
the judgments of the Lord are true,
and righteous altogether.
10 More to be desired are they than gold,
even much fine gold; *
sweeter also than honey,
than the drippings from the honeycomb.
11 Moreover, by them is your servant taught, * and in keeping them there is great reward.
12 Who can tell how often he offends? * O cleanse me from my secret faults.
13 Keep your servant also from presumptuous sins,
lest they get the dominion over me; *
so shall I be undefiled, and innocent of great offense.
14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be always acceptable in your sight, *
O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.