The Seeker's Daily Devotion

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The Seeker's Daily Devotion

Pure Joy!

August 14, 2012

Today's Scripture

Psalm 5:11

But let all those who take refuge and put their trust in You rejoice; let them ever
sing and shout for joy, because You make a covering over them and defend them; let those also who love Your name be joyful in You and be in high spirits.

I met a senior lady who was interested in knowing more about our church. Her honesty was refreshing. She asked me," Do worshippers clap at your church?"

I had to stop and think. Not only about the answer, but I also had to think about
why that was her first question. Before I could answer, she said " We visit ***
church each year, and I get uncomfortable with the clapping."  My response was that parishioners who express thier joy in Christ by sitting quietly and listening to God's still small voice are  encouraged to worship in their own authentic way at
RTUCC. While others, who express their joy by clapping or saying "Amen"are also
embraced by our congregation. Our worship service leaders, program content, music, and prayers intentionally reflect these diverse religion traditions.

Our scripture today teaches that we, as Christians, have a GREAT reason to rejoice. God is our defender, so we don't need to move through life depressed and worried. As you think about the challenges facing you today, imagine Jesus wielding a sword and shield protecting you. You don't need to fight these battles alone. Doesn't that give you relief and bring a smile to your face?

What I know for sure is that we must acknowledge that the real issue is not our
diverse ways of praising God, but rather the fragility of our faith.  American churches have segregated the Body of Christ, based on our cultural approaches to worship. 

Let's take a look at the division between the Black Christian community and the White Christian community. Church racial segregation began when African slaves  were brought to America and  were forced to worship in the balconies and outside the windows of Christian churches. Over time, both the Africans and Whites sought separation. The Africans wanted to be free to worship in their own Afro-centric cultural traditions and the Whites wanted not to have to endure their authenticity. The Africans also wanted an institution in their communities that they could control. But that control was an illusion. The mainline denominations funded the launch of most of the new African and African-American congregations; and sometimes controlled leadership selection.

The results is that we have all created our own racially-based definition of  "true"
worship. Some researchers point out that a great number of black and white people, think that Blacks are naturally more spiritual than Whites. That makes me say uhmm...

If the lady (referenced earlier in this devotion) is a sports fan, I wonder if she
decides which sports events to attend based on whether the fans cheer or sit quietly. When we all get to heaven, will I be able to choose?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, give us a new vision of your plans for the whole Body of Christ. Enlarge our spiritual territories so that we will learn to appreciate and respect
all authentic worship, no matter what form it takes and no matter who is expressing it.

Let us know pure joy!

Shalom,

Pastor Addie
The Reconciliation Table United Church of Christ

www.thertc.org