Theme of the Day: Followers Of Christ Obey His Law From The Heart
A loving father gives his son and daughter a list of rules and regulations. Chores, curfews, civilities, dress code—the father makes his will clearly known. The son strives to follow the rules for two reasons. 1) He wants to get his allowance. 2) He is afraid that if he breaks the rules, his father will punish him. The daughter strives to follow the rules, also for two reasons. 1) She believes her father established those rules not to control her but for her safety and blessing. 2) She wants to demonstrate how much she loves and trusts her father. Those two children’s actions might look almost identical. Their hearts are very different!
Likewise, following Christ is not simply a matter of outward observance of laws. It is a matter of the heart. The Law was given so we could see God’s heart and demonstrate how his heart has affected our own. The followership Christ seeks flows from hearts that have been radically transformed by God’s law and gospel. Christ wants his followers to be less like the son described above, and more like the daughter. This week we see that followers of Christ obey his law from the heart.
Mark 7:1-8,14,15,21-23
Deuteronomy 4:1-2,6-9
Romans 9:30–10:4
Psalm: Psalm 119E
705 – Oh, That the Lord Would Guide My Ways
740 – O God, My Faithful God
558 – Salvation unto Us Has Come
405 – On My Heart Imprint Your Image
Prayer of the Day: Almighty and everlasting God, give us an increase of faith, hope, and love; and that we may obtain what you promise, make us love what you command; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia. When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart’s delight. Alleluia.