The Psalmist declares, “The Lord reigns!” And for this reason, as though it is self-explanatory, he therefore exhorts us, “Let the earth rejoice; let the many coast lands be glad!” Why? Why would the Lord’s reign move us necessarily to rejoice and be glad? Because by the reign of the Lord over all things “He preserves the lives of his saints; he delivers them from the hand of the wicked.” The Lord’s reign, most fully and gloriously exhibited in the life and work of Jesus, over us, among us, through us – and always in spite of us — is a cause of praise and rejoicing.

As we prepare to gather together as God’s people, made alive by his astounding and abounding grace in Jesus Christ, let us be mindful of this redemptive fact that each one of exhibits before one another and the watching world the glorious and present reign of the living Lord through the living Jesus!

File: Order of Worship for February 25, 2007