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Seeking God’s Face

By Vicar Lisa

 Sunday morning, our Gathering Hymn is entitled Jesus Keep Me Near the Cross.  The words are as follows:

Jesus, keep me near the Cross,
there a precious fountain,
free to all a healing stream,
flows from Calvary’s mountain.
In the Cross, in the Cross,
be my glory ever,
till my raptured soul shall find
rest beyond the river.

I have loved this song since childhood, although I was not familiar with its history until today.  It was written by Fanny J. Crosby (1820-1915), who was the author of over 8,500 gospel songs. 

Though blind at 6 weeks of age, Crosby began composing texts at age 6. She later became a teacher at the New York School for the Blind, where she was a student. A friend of several presidents, Crosby became one of the most important advocates for the cause of the blind in the United States.

Individuals have commented about the vivid imagery used in the song, considering her blindness, as well as the powerful biblical and evangelical metaphors: the Cross, a fountain of healing streams, free grace, the daily walk of faith, God’s pursuing love and mercy, Jesus - the Lamb of God, beyond the river of death, heaven with its golden streets, and rest for the raptured souls.

The famous evangelist Dwight L. Moody was said to have asked Crosby the following question toward the end of her life: “If you could have just one wish granted, what would it be?”

Moody expected her to ask for sight. Instead, she replied, “If I could have one wish, I’d wish that I might continue blind the rest of my life.” Moody was taken back and asked, “How can you say that?” Crosby was said to have responded, “Because, after being blind for all these years, the first face I want to see now is the face of Jesus.” What a beautiful thought!

The Hebrew word for “face” in the Old Testament is often translated “presence.” In Psalm 105:4, God’s faithful ones were called to “seek his face always.” Even if we have not abandoned God, there are times when we neglect to pursue God. God’s face and holy character is often obscured by our human condition.

That is why the Lord urges us to seek God’s face continually. The Lord desires to be our constant companion in every experience of life. God wants to be known to us through and through. If we draw close to God, God will draw close to us: “Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world” (James 4:8).

As we continue our Lenten journey, let us remember to seek God’s face in prayer.  “Who may ascend the mountain of the LORD? Who may stand in his holy place? The one who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not trust in an idol or swear by a false god. They will receive blessing from the LORD and vindication from God their Savior. Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, God of Jacob” (Psalm 24:3–6).

 

Sunday March 12, Third Sunday in Lent:

REMINDER – TIME CHANGE ON SUNDAY – SPRING FORWARD BY AN HOUR OR YOU WILL BE LATE!

10 a.m. Worship with Holy Communion 

Worship Leaders:   Vicar Lisa Rygiel, Peggy Gustafson

Lector:  Mary McKenna

Musicians: Connie Pallone

Ushers: Julie Wersal/John Rygiel

Communion: Mary McKenna/John Rygiel

Church Council Meeting following service:  Please note that Zion’s council meetings are open to all church members, you are welcome to attend!

Announcements:

  • Sunday Bible Study:  Sunday Bible Study is at 8:30 a.m., downstairs in the Fellowship Hall. We are studying Luther’s Small Catechism. If you are new to the Lutheran faith, considering membership or baptism, or want a refresher study, please consider joining us.
  • Lenten Worship & Soup Suppers: Lenten Sunday worship continues through March 26. Palm Sunday is April 2 and Good Friday worship is at 7 p.m. April 7. Easter Sunday is April 9. During Lent, we share Lenten Soup Suppers at 6 p.m. each Wednesday. Our next Supper is on March 8.
  • March Newsletter: The March newsletter has been sent via email and also is available on the Zion's website.  Copies are also available in the back of the sanctuary.
  • New Members: We will welcome new members by baptism and faith affirmation during Easter Worship. If you are interested in formally joining Zion's, please talk to Vicar Lisa as soon as possible.
  • Women's Bible Study: We resume our popular study at 9:30 a.m. Friday, March 17, in the Fellowship Hall. Study is every other Friday. Join Women's Bible Study in person or via Zoom at: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87573014829?pwd=R3kzMUFxMTZMdEl5ZzVMeUdsVElGQT09 -- Meeting ID: 875 7301 4829 -- Passcode: 304100, or call in: 301-715-8592.
  • Easter Flowers: People wishing to donate flowers during Lent when Zion's uses only greenery are encouraged to sign up for Easter flowers. We have a special page in the flower book for Easter donations. Include your name and commemoration for inclusion in the Easter bulletin. The Flower Book is in the back of the sanctuary. Use the envelopes in the book for flower donations, which can be put in the offering plate. The recommended minimum donation is $35.

E-formation – Third Sunday in Lent

During Lent we accompany Jesus to his cross and resurrection, and this coming Sunday we stop at a well to receive a drink of water. The water turns out to be Christ himself. Come to worship, and join all of us thirsty people, made alive in Christ.

John 4:5-42

Since at least the fourth century, the narrative of Jesus and the Samaritan woman has been used to explicate Christian baptism. Christ himself both provides and is the living water. In Lent we join with the Samaritan woman, seeking the living water of Christ and telling our neighbors of the one who quenched our thirst.

Exodus 17:1-7

The narrative of Moses striking the rock is set as a parallel to the story of the Samaritan woman at the well. In both, God provides miraculous water. Like the Israelites, we too are journeying towards the water of life, quarreling along the way, yet requiring what only God can give. God is our water.

Romans 5:1-11

The lectionary continues its Lenten readings from Romans. The passage for this Sunday, with its strong language about sinners, is appropriate on the day that we consider the quarreling Israelites, the five-times-married Samaritan woman, and ourselves.

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Zion's Lutheran Church
zionsluth@gmail.com

719-846-7785