Week Twenty-two of Cultivate Delight, where we are actively planning our spiritual endeavors this coming week with the goal of a consistent time spent engaging our hearts with Christ in his word, in prayer, in reflection, and in music. Below are some starting points for reflection, and I hope you find them helpful. The goal is to not just rush through these and then get on with your day. Take your time and reflect throughout the week on these items.
“Christ has put on our feelings along with our flesh.”
― John Calvin
Bible Reading
Liturgy – New City Catechism
Question 22: Why must the Redeemer be truly human?
That in human nature he might on our behalf perfectly obey the whole law and suffer the punishment for human sin; and also that he might sympathize with our weaknesses.
Hebrews 2:17
Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.
Prayer
The Creator of the universe entered into His creation and took on flesh. The God who cannot be contained chose to be clothed in humanity. The Author of Life was born as a fragile baby. A human baby dependent in every way upon others to sustain his body. Yet, even as an infant at Mary’s breast Jesus was holding all of reality together. This baby who needed is mother to provide sustenance for his body was at the same time providing the means for her to live and breathe. It is all so great and wonderful to think about.
What an amazing comfort to know that our Savor was made like us, and He understands us. It knows what it is like to weep at the grave of a friend. He knows what it is like to be betrayed. He knows what it is like to laugh with friends. He is not some distant God who doesn’t care or understand. This God came and lived a human life among us. A perfect holy life. A life that experienced all of our emotions. A life that suffered. A life that was hungry and thirsty. A life that never sinned! In that respect he differs from us. He alone is the perfect human. The second Adam. The One who makes all things right.
Worship
Jesus
There is a truth older than the ages
There is a promise of things yet to come
There is one born for our salvation
Jesus
There is a light that overwhelms the darkness
There is a kingdom that forever reigns
There is freedom from the chains that bind us
Jesus, Jesus
Who walks on the waters
Who speaks to the sea
Who stands in the fire beside me
He roars like a lion
He bled as the Lamb
He carries my healing in His hands
Jesus
There is a name I call in times of trouble
There is a song that comforts in the night
There is a voice that calms the storm that rages
He is Jesus, Jesus
Who walks on the waters
Who speaks to the sea
Who stands in the fire beside me
He roars like a lion
He bled as the Lamb
He carries my healing in His hands
Jesus
Messiah
My Savior
There is power in Your name
You’re my rock and my Redeemer
There is power in Your name
In Your name
You walk on the waters
You speak to the sea
You stand in the fire beside me
You roar like a lion
You bled as the Lamb
You carry my healing in Your hands
God, You walk on the waters
You speak to the sea
You stand in the fire beside me
You roar like a lion
You bled as the Lamb
You carry my healing in Your hands
Jesus, there is no one like You
Jesus, there is no one like You