Reflection on the Word in our Worship
Michael Green asks a great question in his commentary on Matthew's Gospel.
The Great Commission is the response to meeting the risen Christ. It is not until the disciples have personally met with the risen Lord that they are consumed with a passion to go and tell others. If evangelism is at a low ebb in parts of the worldwide church (and it is), could it be because many churchgoers have never had a personal, life-changing encounter with Jesus?
As we prepare for worship this Sunday (and worship-centered life on Monday through Saturday), let's ask for a personal, life-changing encounter with Jesus. It may be big, or it may be small. It may be one of your first, or it may be the next one of many. Some may even encounter him in the challenge his seeming absence (a season that all disciples experience from time to time). Whatever the type and occasion of your next encounter with Jesus, trust that he is present and powerful for all seek him in trust and the revelation of the Scriptures.
The Collect for World Mission Sunday
Almighty God, through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, you revealed the way of eternal life to every race and nation: Pour out this gift anew, that by the preaching of the Gospel your salvation may reach to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
The Word:
(Click on the links below to read Sunday's passages)
Old Testament Lesson: Genesis 12:1-3
Psalm 86:8-13 (after the playlist below)
New Testament Lesson: Revelation 7:9-17
Gospel Lesson: Matthew 28:16-20
A downloadable Home Liturgy with Spiritual Communion follows the playlist
(click below to listen to Incarnation's Playlist)
Psalm 86:8-13
8 Among the gods there is none like you, O Lord, *
nor are there any deeds like yours.
9 All nations that you have made shall come and worship you, O Lord, *
and shall glorify your Name.
10 For you are great and do wondrous things; *
indeed, you are God alone.
11 Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth; *
O knit my heart to you, that I may fear your Name.
12 I will thank you, O Lord my God, with all my heart, *
and will praise your Name for evermore.
13 For great is your mercy toward me; *
you have delivered my life from the nethermost Pit.