Gathered Chicks

The stubborn heart will not be gathered. It is like the wandering chick that refuses his mother’s wings and is gobbled up by the prowling fox, or the stiff-necked son, who bristles up at his father’s hand only to be hammered down by his adversary, the devil, or, the foolish daughter, who refuses the law of her mother who afterwards regrets it 30, 60 and a 100 fold.

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         But not so with you saints, little chicks. The Lord has longed to gather you and you are gathered. He has protected you under His wings and you have come gladly. The fox, the devil and the law of retribution are despoiled by Jesus. Herein is the blessing, that we believed Jesus and He fed us and gave us drink. He poured His Holy Spirit upon us and dwells with us always, even to the end of the age. There is nothing for us to do but praise Him and return our thanksgiving, for Jesus watches over us like a mother hen with her gathered chicks.

Praise

Our Father in Heaven, The little children cried out to Jesus, ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’ And ‘Hosanna to the Son of David!’ We echo them, praising You for sending our Savior Jesus as King of Heaven and Earth. We rejoice in His rule, now and ever, over every tribe and tongue and nation. May our praise to You resound continually until every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord of all. Glory to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Clean Inside

It is true that cleanliness is next to godliness but not the washing of hands before you eat. Not laundering and pressing your clothes before church. Not flossing and brushing your teeth before you go to bed. Those things are good but they do not bring you close to Jesus. If you only clean the outside of the cup, the cup is not clean. If you only tend to the outward man, he is not clean.

But you have confessed your sins. The Lord has washed you in the blood of His Son, in the waters of baptism, in the well-spring of the Holy Spirit. These washings run deep and cleanse you body and soul. Having your feet washed by Jesus means your whole self is washed. You are clean inside and this makes your outside acceptable to Jesus, too.

Preparation

Father of all mercies, we magnify You for inviting us to Your Table in the name of Your Son, Jesus, and in the presence of Your Holy Spirit. We have confessed our sins, received Your pardon, fed on Your Word, and are now gathered at Your Table for this holy meal. Our hearts are full of gratitude. We give You the glory, honor, and praise. Amen.

Thanks

Our Lord, who dispenses all good things of Your kindness, grace and mercy; we give You thanks. Fulfill our every need according to Your abundant treasures in Christ Jesus. Fill us up to overflowing with gratitude and contentment so that we honor Your great name and the name of Your blessed Son, Jesus, our Savior. Amen.