Wednesday Word with the Pastors

Nov. 23, 2011

“Great are the works of the Lord, studied by all who delight in them . . . He has gained renown by his wonderful deeds; the Lord is gracious and merciful” (Psalm 111:2-4).

There are magicians who do amazing tricks. They cause us to see that which confuses our understanding of the basic laws of nature. We watch carefully what they do – they still stump our intellect – and then we cry out, “HOW did you do that?!!!!”

I can remember watching some of the modern day magicians on television and being intrigued. But, what I cannot remember is what they did precisely, or the context of my life at the time, or even how these tricks affected me over the years. In other words, these illusions are impressive feats, but they are not great.

The works of the Lord, on the other hand, are great! What do I mean by this? Well, the works of the Lord can be as mighty as the parting of the sea for the Israelites, or as humble (and non-flashy) as bringing peace to the soul of one crying out to him. These works are great not because of their display of might – but because they affect us so profoundly.

God works in our lives in such a way that we see what He has done and we become radically changed by it. We look back and say, “God did this!” – and then we can’t stop thinking about it. We remember all the details – who we were before his great work – the circumstances we were in – even the emotions of the moment flood over us when we look back and remember. His work is great because it changes us. His work is great because it causes us to love Him. His work is great because all we can do in response is fall down upon our knees and cry out, “The Lord is gracious and merciful!”

This last Sunday Elizabeth Hill, from SBPC, gave her testimony of God’s great work in her life. She brought the truth – that this work is not done without pain and struggle – but it remains sweet to those who have their hope in the Lord. As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday it is appropriate for all of us to reflect on God’s great work in our own lives – and then to bow down, turn our eyes upward, and to say, “Thank you God for your great work in my life!”

May you be blessed with the presence of the Almighty God throughout this week. Remember His great work in your life. Reflect on it, and render your thanksgiving to Him!

Peace,
Aaron Teter