Assignment

“You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.” (Matthew 4:10)

This concise phrase pops off the page like a prescription for the year ahead as clearly as if a physician had jotted a remedy for the pressing “what-should-I-be-focused-on” dilemma. Not overly complicated, this verse presents the assignment for this next phase: worship the Lord your God and serve him only. Then take it a step further and allow each act of service to became an avenue of worship in this cathedral of time we call a year.

When God requires that we manage mundane tasks, come in second place to help fulfill another’s dream, or carry loads we would never choose, how exactly will we respond? When routine is the regular assignment void of fanfare or interludes, will it be unwelcome drudgery that we disdain? In bowing our knee to serve we are also given a chance to bow our heart in worship.

When unexpected winds cast us into confusion, what then? Will we remember this call to worshipful service and invite the Lord inside the gale? Mary certainly did. Her brother Lazarus had died and, cloistered at home grieving, she heard the Master was near. “The Teacher is here and is calling for you. And when she heard it, she rose quickly and went to him” (John 11:28). Her response contains a template to follow. Precisely in our own precarious circumstances we too must realize “The Teacher is here and is calling.” Like Mary, we go toward him, with our questions, with our concerns. Here is opportunity to worship the Lord even though we do not understand. The Teacher is here, calling to us, wanting to teach us what we could never learn any other way. Sacred music contained in common song.

The year will unfold one day at a time. Each one can be a sanctuary if we allow it, a time and place designed to worship the Lord and serve him only. As we write or teach, hammer nails, carry mail, or tap on keys, we are privileged to serve others as an act of worship to our God. One ordinary day after another in this cathedral of time we call a year.

Elizabeth Karram Mitchell

Related Post

Helicopter Hymn

Helicopter Hymn

You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. (Isaiah 26:3) I discovered growing up that if my father learned of someone with a particular need, he would stand beside that person, extend his hand, and...

read more
Elias

Elias

“Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him. I will protect him, because he knows my name.” (Psalm 91:14) Our Uncle Elias lived well, exemplifying the art of loving others deeply as part of his brand of gentleness and compassion....

read more
Mary Who Ministered

Mary Who Ministered

“When he was in Galilee, they followed him and ministered to him.” (Mark 15:41) At times we foolishly presume that our lives must be perfectly aligned for God to minister through us. We think that in order for Christ to create something...

read more

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Share This