August 29, 2010

Those of you who have kids: could you ever look at your child and say "You're not worthy of my love, but I love you anyway?" But we continue in self-flagellating theology that views God as a cosmic loose cannon ready to jump on us rather than the God Jesus describes as a mother hen gathering her chicks.

Redman's song is a good one, but it has one weakness: it says "if they could see" who God is, they would praise him constantly. But really, there is no "they" and there is no "us". We all see dimly and often have trouble worshiping because we don't understand God's true character. We often are afraid of being known by God, because we think that being known and being loved by God are inversely proportional. The confession is attempting to get at this misunderstanding of God's character.

Basically, if my God looks like a worse parent than I am, my view of God should change.

Let Everything That Has Breath (Matt Redman)

Confession

God of love,

We cringe when we see
a small child cowering
in fear of her parent,
waiting for the look of revulsion,
the rough hand to strike,
the harsh word to be spoken.

Some of us
were once that child.

God, how often do we
approach you in the same way?
Are we afraid
that if you really knew us
you would not love us?

God, too often we have accepted the lie
that your love of us is conditional,
that your favor is fleeting,
that the wellspring of your mercy
is limited.

Help us see truth today.

Thank you that you
look upon us with acceptance,
place your hand on our shoulder,
and speak words of love over us.

We open ourselves
to be known by you
and to be loved by you.

Amen

Assurance of Pardon

On that day Jerusalem will be told,
"Don't be afraid, city of Jerusalem.
Don't give up.
The Lord your God is with you;
the mighty One will save you.
He will rejoice over you.
You will rest in his love;
he will sing and be joyful about you."

(Zepheniah 3:16-17)

God of Beauty (Solomon's Porch)

Communion: Dave Song

Response: Your Grace Is Enough (Tomlin)