Center Stage

We need to enlarge and sharpen our vision of God, for too easily we reduce or tame him. God is made to fit in with our plans and almost becomes our good luck charm. The psalmist will have none of it. To see what cannot be seen, we need to open our eyes. The feast of nature programs, in recent years, has deepened our sense of wonder at our world which, of course, bears testimony to its Creator. The grandeur, the lavishness, the scale, the detail, and the color all speak of someone way out of our league!

Having put God and ourselves in proper perspective, how do we dare approach him? For the pilgrim people of God, the journeys up to Jerusalem for the great feasts were times of celebration, but also for reflection. Indeed, the living God who made heaven and earth cares about our conduct and character. The moments of reflection before a service make us glad that confession often comes early in our worship. Grubby hands, mixed motives, a distracted focus, being economical with the truth, we all know these as realities in our lives. We pretend to be what we are not, cultivating an image that cannot stand the scrutiny of the living God.

We long to come to this God because of his goodness to us. We do not come alone, for we march behind the conquering King. Jesus is the victor over sin, death and the devil, and for him the gates swing open. No questions are asked about his right to come into his Father’s presence. Wonderfully, his acceptance guarantees the acceptance of those who trust in him. In my tradition we often sing this psalm at our communion services, for it speaks of our hope in Christ, the King of glory. No wonder we are moved to worship.

Look into your life and repent where necessary. Then turn to the Lord and rejoice in his mercy.