Absolutely Distinguished.

"We're not satisfied to just 'go through our liturgy'." (Pastor Sam)

During yesterday's pre-sermon prayer, Pastor Sam recalled the petition of Moses:

Then Moses said to God, "If Your presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. How will anyone know that You are pleased with me and with Your people unless You go with us? What else will distinguish me and Your people from all the other people on the face of the earth? (Exodus 33:15-16)

The word distinguished is one that we can reflect on today. What is it that makes a Christian stand out from the crowds of people from other faiths, or from those who claim to have no faith? It's not the engagement of the worship that sets us apart. Back in Moses's day, people who were not worshipers of the God of Israel were nonetheless quite engaged in the worship of the gods they knew. Further, it was not even the experience of the wonders that set God's people apart. In the early stages of the Egyptian plagues, there was a cadre of magicians that had no problem duplicating the signs (see Exodus 7:8-12).

The people of God, then and now, have a distinguishing mark. It is the presence of God. God Himself is found in our community. God Himself is found in us. There is the evidence of the Word: it is God in us, His goodness expressed through our lifestyle and ministry, that catches the attention of the world.

Let's take inventory today, especially those of us who "do church" as part of our life-routine. When people hear our speech, or see our works, or read what we write, what do they walk away with? Is their heart filled with the joy of the Lord? Are they inspired and moved to draw closer to God?

Lord God, give me the experience of You in a deeper way today... I want to bear a distinguishing mark that identifies me as belonging to You. Do Your work in me today, I pray, so that You will be glorified. Amen.