August 2009

"How can I repay the Lord for all His goodness to me? "

"How can I repay the Lord for all His goodness to me? I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord. I will fulfill my vows to the Lord in the presence of all His people" (Psalm 116:12-14).

I think these words of the Psalmist are good ones to reflect upon as we consider the honor the Lord has bestowed upon us in calling us to be His people in mission and ministry here at Son Life. "How can I repay the Lord for all His goodness to me?" The answer, of course, is that we cannot repay Him. We cannot repay our Lord for dying and rising again for us. We cannot repay Him for forgiveness, life, and salvation. That is His gracious gift to us.

It is good for us to ponder the question of the Psalmist: "How can I repay the Lord for all His goodness to me?" Put a little differently we might ask: "How can I best use the talents the Lord has given to me in His service? In what areas of my church can I use my time in mutual support of the ministry I share with my family at Son Life? In what ways will I seek to become a better steward with what the Lord has entrusted to me that my church may be excellent in all things to the glory of God?

The Psalmist makes two very good suggestions. First he says: "I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord." Sounds a lot like worship, doesn't it? How can we repay the Lord for all His goodness to us? We can worship. We can make gathering with our fellow believers around Word and Sacrament one of those "high priorities" in life.

Secondly he says: "I will fulfill my vows to the Lord in the presence of all His people." The vow is a vow to praise the Lord. And notice this is fulfilled in the presence of others. How can we repay the Lord for His goodness to us? We can praise Him not only in word and song, but also in action and deed.

Inviting a friend to church would show praise to your Lord. Offering your help in areas of need would show praise to the Lord. Taking an active role in a specific area of ministry would show praise to the Lord for all His goodness to you. Supporting, uplifting and encouraging others are expressions of praise to the Lord.

The opportunity for growth in our church family is excellent. You know that. You are one of the gifts God has blessed Son Life with. You know the Lord's goodness to Son Life to entrust us with His Gospel to share with our community.

How can I repay the Lord for all His goodness to you? I think you know the answer.

Pastor John

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