Sunday, July 25, 2010

The Father's glory

This morning at St. Andrew's our final hymn was "Shine, Jesus, Shine" which is also known by its first line, "Lord, the light of Your love is shining". I enjoy this hymn! It was written by Graham Kendrick and bears the copyright year of 1987 but still feels 'new' to me. I fear that says more about me (and my age?) than the hymn!

Do you ever go on 'auto-pilot' when you sing in church? I know I do. I'm looking at the hymn, and usually playing, and often singing but I'm not necessarily paying attention to the words and what I am singing about. The words of the refrain of this hymn are a prayer. I was paying attention today, and praying as I sang, and then the thought occurred to me: what would it mean for our land to be filled with the Father's glory? Would it mean that all is done to glorify God? Would that mean God's Kingdom has come here on earth? How can I (or you) help to bring that about? Does it mean sharing the good news (gospel) with those around us?

A few questions which I hope have made you think...

1 comment:

Dorothy said...

I haven't sung "Shine, Jesus, Shine" for quite a long time. But I certainly do know exactly what you mean about singing on "auto-pilot." I'm so glad you weren't for this one, AuntE!

Yes, I think that having our land filled with the Father's glory means exactly that...sharing the gospel with those around us, praising Him in the telling. Even though all of those won't come to share in our faith and love for God and thus not quite the whole world will be filled with His glory, we could make His glory so much more evident!