Friends in Christ,
If you take time to read Psalm 119 you won't have difficulty discerning the theme. Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible – by far. It can feel very repetitive as it continually comes back to the theme that God's Word is good.
Over and over again, the writer of Psalm 119 points to the value of God's Word, and makes known his own commitment to that Word. The theme is so consistent that when I read the psalm recently, I was caught off-guard by the final line.
I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek your servant, for I do not forget your commandments. (Psalm 119:176)
This confession at the close seems out of place. The rest of the psalm is not centered on what the psalmist has done wrong, but what he has done right. Namely, the psalm is about learning, extolling, and valuing God's Word. This final line of confession stands apart from the previous 175 verses.
The psalm's conclusion is a good reminder for us. Knowledge about God is not the same as faith in God. Knowing the Bible is good, but trusting Jesus is better. Learning and studying God's Word will make us smart, but repentance and submission to God's will bring true wisdom.
We can mistake knowledge for faith – as individuals, as a congregation, even as a denomination. The close of Psalm 119 reminds us of this danger. We can and should love God's Word for what we learn from it. Even more, we love God's Word for what it reveals. God's word always reveals our great need. It also reveals God's even greater love, mercy, and grace. Thanks be to God who sent his Son Jesus to save us! Thanks be to God who has revealed this to us by his Word and Spirit!
Here for you,
Matt Behrens, Pastor | |  | Reading Together: Elijah
Pastor Matt is teaching on the prophet Elijah. As a community, we're invited to read the stories of Elijah prior to each message. A reading guide is available at the link below. Printed copies of this guide will also be available at Sunday worship. | |  | New Sunday Bible Study
Dave Mueller will lead a group conversation as we read the book of James together. Meet in the library Sundays at 10:30am. Starts Sunday, July 11. | |  | Camp Calvary
Camp Calvary is starting July 12. Sign up to receive 5 weekly "at home" packets delivered to your home that include science experiments, crafts, Bible stories, and other activities you can do at home with your child(ren) ages 3 to 10 years old. Supplies are limited, so sign up today!
| | Strong:
Men's Bible Study
Strong is about men keeping each other strong in faith by reading God's word together (over a mug of strong coffee). Join Dave Mueller and Pastor Matt Thursdays at 8:30am in the Parish Hall as we learn from Proverbs. | | | Women's Bible Study
Join us on Wednesdays at 3pm on Zoom to study the Sermon on the Mount. No study book necessary, just bring your Bible! | | | Received this By Forward? Want to Sign Up?
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