Friday, August 30, 2024  

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Today's Scripture
Psalm 100

Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth.

Worship the Lord with gladness; come into his presence with singing.

Know that the Lord is God. It is he that made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise. Give thanks to him, bless his name.

For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations. (NRSV)

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Reflection

This psalm tells us to “make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come into his presence with singing.” The psalm reminds us to be happily grateful to God. I am reminded of a humorously uplifting song/sermon by one of the most preeminent gospel artists ever, Pastor Shirley Caesar. “Hold my Mule” is an example of wanting/needing to shout for joy in praise to our God.

Pastor Ceasar tells of a man called “Shout’n’ John.” John was an aged farmer who joined a restrained-worshiping church. However, John believed in making a joyful noise when worshiping the Lord.

The story says that John came in dancing, shouting songs of praise. Many became disturbed because John was dancing and singing so loud, all around the church. The church’s deacons ran and sat him down, but Shout’n’ John just sprang back up. They tried repeatedly but could not settle John down.

Eventually the elders decided something must be done. “There’s something wrong with that man, John! We don't act like that in our church. Doesn’t he realize, we've got dignitaries in our church!”

So a group of elders was sent to John’s farm to warn him to settle down and worship in a more reserved fashion or he would be asked to leave the church. I am amused and inspired by John’s response.

He replied to the elders, "Well, put me out! I can't hold my peace. Did you see all that land you drove up on? God gave me all that land. I'm eighty-six years old and still able to walk behind that ol’ mule and harvest my own crops; but you don't want me to shout in your church?”

Then John listed more of his blessings, including all his children, who are alive and well. He said, “If I can’t shout in your church, hold my mule, ’cause I'm gon’ shout right here!” Which he did.

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Prayer
Lord, may your Spirit be with me, continually reminding me of my many blessings. May we respond to God’s grace with conviction and exuberant and vibrant praise as described in Psalm 100 — each in our own way. Amen.

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Written by Ken Gaines, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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