People are much more into serial dramas these days. The
anticipation of what will happen on next week’s episode is part of the
entertainment value. So-called cliffhangers are the weekly stock and trade of
shows like “24” and “Lost”.
But there are plenty of shows that do not usually carry
the main storyline from one week to the next. Like every episode of “Law and
Order” where they pride themselves on hearing the verdict and wrapping it up in 60
minutes. Each episode is a self-contained story. But every once in a while, an
episode will be drawing to a close and the viewer will realize that they’re not
going to be able to tie up all the loose ends. It is at this point that the
screen fades to black and the words “To be continued” appear. It is agonizing.
Though part of a series, most Sunday sermons can stand
alone. We all hear the main point of the particular text we have in front of us
and I make every attempt as the preacher, to bring that “episode” to a close at
the end of each Sunday sermon. But
last week was
one of those sermons with a “To be continued” at the end. We were left wondering at the end of
Ezra 9 whether or not the people themselves would respond to the Word of God. Ezra
had responded, but would the people?
Of course, as I said Sunday, any of you can read just a
couple of verses into Ezra 10 and see that the people did respond. And so, for
me, the anticipation is not so much in that as it is in whether or not WE will respond.
That’s what this week’s episode will reveal.
Last week we looked intently into the six heart-hindrances
to worship. Those are documented in
Monday’s blog post. Have you taken the time to consider
which of these are hindering your worship of Jesus Christ? What’s standing in
the way of you truly connecting with the Lord?
I am fasting and praying this week that we will see and
experience a spiritual breakthrough and that we would see worship
rise in each person who makes Harvest their church home. Would you pray and
fast for the same thing leading up to this Sunday?
I’m looking forward to being with you then,
Todd
Check out this Sunday’s song list and come prepared for
worship.
And if you would like to pray for our time together with
some others, join them this Sunday morning at 8 a.m. to prayer walk through the
building and then in the worship centre at 8:30 a.m. to pray as a group.
And...remember to set your clocks ahead one hour on Saturday night.