At Asbury, the acolytes bring down the light of Christ and the word of God at the beginning of each service. After a welcome and opening song, the sanctuary gets quiet as music pads in the background—as if there’s a holy deep breath—as the light and word enter the room. Once the candles are lit, the Bible is placed on a stand in front of the pulpit and in the center of everyone’s vision. It’s a precious moment and I look forward to it every time we gather. Even more special is to see the sweet people who agree to take on the role of acolyte each time. They’re given a bookmark to place in the book once it is set on the stand, and after the service that get to keep the bookmark to commemorate their service. There’s very little that comforts me like the placing of the Scriptures in the center of it all. It’s a big part of what makes Asbury “Asbury”, and I’m thankful for it.
“How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Praise be to you, Lord; teach me your decrees.” —Psalm 119.9-12
Does that get in clearer? How do we stay on the path? The word. How do we seek Him? The word. What do we place within our hearts? The word. What are we to desire to be taught? The word.
Now let’s make it even more personal: is the word of God central to YOUR life? Is it the rule, the standard, the measuring stick; is it the solid ground for your faith, for your life, for all of your living? Do you stand upon the word of God as the world rages on with its emotional, wishy-washy ways, feelings and ideas? Does it inform your thinking and transforming your living? Do you want what the world has to offer or what God has taught and decreed? Do you want to be changed by the world or changed by the word? Which brings life—eternal life?!
The challenge truly is to put the word of God at the center and praise Him. If you’re life if grounded and centered on the word, you will WANT to praise Him! Praise God…for God’s word!
—Pastor Whit