Our scripture this morning is Psalms 100:1-5.
Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth! Worship the Lord with gladness. Come before him, singing with joy. Acknowledge that the Lord is God! He made us, and we are his. We are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation.
What a wonderful Psalm to start our Sabbath celebration! We are called to worship together, giving thanks to God for making us in His image and wanting us to be connected to Him. All creation sings His praise!
We are reminded that “we are his people, the sheep of his pasture”. This isn’t meant to put us down, though the comparison is sadly appropriate. Like a shepherd, He leads and cares for us. Because He is the source of all goodness He wants only good for us.
The final verse amplifies this, telling us “His unfailing love continues forever”. In Romans 8:39 we read “nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord”. God loved us so much He was willing to send His only son to save us. May we all shout with joy to the Lord!
Heavenly Father, we come today with our thanksgiving and praise. Bless us to go in Your name with joy, sharing Your love everywhere. Amen.