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Privlege of Worship
addition to his many works on pastoral and systematic theology, this 16th-century Protestant reformer also wrote commentaries on most of the books of the Bible. This excerpt deals with Psalm 52:9 (I will praise you forever for what you have done; in your name I will hope, for your name is good. I will praise you in the presence of your saints). PSALM 52 Let us engrave this useful lesson upon our hearts, that we should consider it the great end of our existence to be found numbered among the worshipers of God; and that we should avail ourselves of the inestimable privilege of the stated assemblies of the church, which are necessary helps to our infirmity and means of mutual excitement and encouragement. By these, and our common sacraments, the Lord who is one God, and who designed that we should be one in him, is training us up together in the hope of eternal life, and in the united celebration of his holy name. - John Calvin (1509-1564), from his commentary on Psalm 52. [Have you ever gone to church because you were afraid what people (or God) would think if you missed? How different it is to think of the "inestimable privilege" of meeting together - for our help, excitement and encouragement - training us in the hope of eternal life, unifying us as we celebrate his holy name.] Have a great week, Chip Stam |