This is part of the worship series,
"Listening to the Prophets”
Series Introduction
Lent 1 | Lent 2 | Lent 3 | Lent 4 | Lent 5
WEEK 4: THE FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT
Bulletin Announcement
In our study of the Old Testament, we have come to the prophets as they speak words of warning to apostate Israel. Today we consider the word of God from the prophet Malachi to the people of Judah who had stopped giving their all to the Lord.
Gathering Song
“Holy, Holy, Holy, My Heart” Spanish Traditional
[This week an unaccompanied solo voice introduced the song.]
Responsive Reading from Isaiah 42
This is what God the Lord says—
he who created the heavens and stretched them out,
who spread out the earth and all that comes out of it, who gives breath to its people, and life to those who walk on it:
I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand.
I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles,
to open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison, and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness.
Prayer
God of righteousness, who created the heavens, open our eyes that we may see your glory and refine us to be made more worthy of you. Help us to remember your covenant with us, your people. In your Holy Spirit we pray.
Amen.
—Marvin Hofman © 2003 ReformedWorship.org CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.
God’s Greeting
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Our help comes from the Lord,
the maker of heaven and earth.
Grace, mercy, and peace are yours, from God the Father Almighty, from the lord Jesus Christ, and from the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Prayers of Confession
|
Sing: |
“Jesus, Remember Me” Berthier |
|
Leader: |
Lord Jesus, in your shame-filled suffering, your disciples, your closest friends did not come to help you. When you went to pray, to agonize over the cross, your friends slept. They could not muster strength to watch and pray with you. Lord, often we too exhibit indifference to the suffering of others and a dullness for what so passionately concerns you. Lord Jesus, do not hold our sins again us and grant us your mercy. |
|
Sing: |
“Jesus, Remember Me” Berthier |
|
Leader: |
Lord Jesus, in your shame-filled suffering, Peter grew confused, disillusioned, afraid. When identified as your disciple, he swore that he did not know you—not once, but three times. Lord, we too falter when boldness is called for. We would rather blend in than stand up in faith. Lord Jesus, in your mercy do not hold our sins against us and grant us your mercy. |
|
Sing: |
“Jesus, Remember Me” Berthier |
|
Leader: |
Lord Jesus, in your shame-filled suffering, when they came to arrest you, your disciples were afraid. They ran and left you standing alone with your enemies. We wonder how you feel when we willfully take leave of our faith, when we slide away into the darkness of our doubts, when we hear you call us but run the other way. Lord Jesus, do not hold our sins against us and grant us your mercy. —Marvin Hofman © 2003 ReformedWorship.org CC BY-NC-SA 4.0. |
|
Sing: |
“Jesus, Remember Me” Berthier |
Announcement of Grace from Luke 23:43
“I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in Paradise.”
Song
“According to Thy Gracious Word” (st. 1, 3-4) Montgomery
Prayer for Illumination
Scripture Reading
Malachi 2:17–3:16
Sermon
A Scroll of Remembrance
Sermon Notes
Judah had returned from exile, but they had once against lapsed into a sort of formalism in their covenant life with God. They were going through the motions.
In the course of the lament for his uncommitted people, the Lord brings out a scroll. Let me show you how much you mean to me, God says. Here is the record of who I love and what I will do for my chosen. Your name is on it! I made a covenant with you and I intend to keep it forever!
In our study of the Old Testament We have come to the season of the year that illustrates the glory of the fullness of the Christian life. “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” That’s going all out. Why would we want to do any less?
Song
“Day of Judgment, Day of Wonders!” Newton
God’s Parting Blessing
Song
“What Wondrous Love” (st. 3) Anon.
