I have a problem with psalms (hehe, it is like I have decided this blog will be where I simply complain about everything- not my initial plan, nor my current goal). I often find psalms too abstract, and since beginning to read the Bible two years ago, I have been uncommitted to digging through them to grasp what generally David is trying to tell me about my God. So, it is only natural that I would like Piper to explain them to me. Therefore my favourite sermon of the week is on Psalm 19, featured in the sermon Sky Talk. Oooh, I am the chair tomorrow at service, therefore this is what will be read for the call to worship.
It expresses an idea which I think I have known for a little while. One my way to school, I walk beside the Rideau Canal. When I first got back to Ottawa in the summer, it was one my favourite places to pray. It was almost impossible for me to view the glorious creation in that spot without adoring God, in a way that I always should. However, months have gone by. It is colder. I block my view by my scarf. I focus on the paved path. The leaves on the trees that turned a brilliant red, orange, yellow, now are gone. The water has disappeared. It is still not not beautiful, but honestly, I don't recognize how the artwork of creation right there anymore. It has become familiar.
In Sky Talk, Piper quotes Clyde Kilby, who expresses, "The fall of man can hardly be more forcefully felt than simply in noting what we all do with a fresh snowfall or the first buds of spring. On Monday they fill us with delight and meaning and on Tuesday we ignore them." When I walk on the canal, it is always Tuesday. My prayers have started to reflect Tuesday. They no longer adore God when I walk past the contemptuously familiar (unsure if that makes sense) piece of land.
"But surely redemption means that we will be freed from that proverb. If we aren't, there can be no such thing as heaven but only a hell of increasing contemptuousness. And since our redemption has already begun in this age, Christians ought to have better eyes than people in general for seeing the knowledge that every day and night pours forth." Starting tonight (I'm at school currently) I will pull my scarf down, and try to see if my prayers can reflect a Monday again.
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4 comments:
I'm glad that John Piper makes your life better...
you blog exactly like adam.
- andrea
I wish I had a more mature response to that than saying "yeah? well....then.... I blog like adam as much as you dress like dave." but I don't. blagh.
HAHAHAHAHAHHAHHAAAA!!!! Meredith, the world knows that you're becoming more and more like Adam each day. And when you go to Asia, you'll morph completely into an Adam, so that you guys will become like clones. And I don't know if Andrea dresses like Dave. Umm maybe we can make her some short pants too... we can make matching pairs or something.
PS: You must update so I have more letters to read.
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