by Gloria Furman (from domestickingdom.com)
The “Order of Service” in our church’s weekly gatherings includes the “Call to Worship.”
The essence of the Call to Worship is an invitation to worship God.
Even when I am not gathered together with my local church for corporate worship, I hear “calls to worship” throughout my days and nights.
Through the static buzzing of a baby monitor I hear a baby crying for food, warmth, company, and love.
The baby’s cries remind me of my soul’s desperate estate. I cast myself on the only one who can help me.“Incline your ear, O Lord, and answer me, for I am poor and needy” (Psalm 86:1).
Through the din of toys clattering in the bedroom I hear a frustrated child shriek for help to reclaim a treasured possession.
The child’s angst over an earthly trinket reminds me of how I, too, am tempted to bank my happiness on my stuff. Jesus provides a way of escape out of temptation inviting me to worship him as my Treasure.

“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it” (1 Corinthians 10:13).

Over lilting melodies playing through the speakers a tiny ballerina excitedly invites me to watch her twirl. Her expectation of shared joy reminds me of how Jesus invites me to share in his joy forever.

“These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full” (John 15:11).

Through the recycled air of the car I can hear whining coming from the backseat. Impatience is made manifest in complaining. This is so like me. I want what I want and I want it yesterday.
But God’s lavish kindness and patience toward me leads me to repentance. God judged my sin at the cross and the death penalty that I deserved fell on Christ instead. God doesn’t scorn me; he listens to my pleas for grace and he answers according to his steadfast love!

“Be gracious to me, O Lord, for to you I cry all the day. Gladden the soul of your servant, for to you, O Lord, do I lift up my soul. For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you. Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer; listen to my plea for grace” (Psalm 86:3-6).

In the early morning hours I hear my door creak open and an excited, breathless whisper at my bedside announces the impending sunrise.
On these mornings my groggy disbelief is but a fraction of the weariness felt by the women who arrived at a certain tomb before dawn, not expecting to see the Risen Son.
But because Jesus did rise from the dead, every sunrise is marching forward and points me to look ahead to the morning that is coming that will be the end of darkness forever. On that day we will all see our Savior face to face with no more doubting or lukewarm affections or soul sluggishness.
Then we will call each other to worship God forever and ever saying,

“To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!” (Revelation 5:13b).

Thank you, God, for the numerous “calls to worship” you give us every day!
Please give us ears to hear them.