February 16, 2020
This week is our fourth in the book of Matthew, looking at the flight to Egypt and tragedy in Bethlehem.
The Gospel According to Matthew is one of the earliest biographies of Jesus, presenting Jesus not as a mere historical figure, but as “good news” for the world that should reshape every part of life. Here’s how you can prepare for this Sunday:
1. Read our text, Matthew 2:13–23.
Any loving parent would want their children to experience some semblance of peace and stability in their early years. For Mary and Joseph and their new baby, this was not a possibility. After the drama caused by an unusual pregnancy and the inconvenience of an untimely move to Bethlehem, Joseph and Mary were confronted with terrifying news. Herod, the king over Judea, was seeking to find and destroy their newborn baby, and they would need to flee the country as refugees. Matthew tells of their flight to Egypt and of the tragedy to follow in a way that honors the darkness of the event and the devastation it caused while also pointing to the providence of God and the hope that this Child would bring to the broken world.
2. Read, pray, and sing through the service:
CALL TO WORSHIP: Psalm 46:8–11, Greeting:
To those who are busy and scattered,
To those who sense the weight of the brokenness of our world and long for the peace of God,
To all who are oppressed,
and to those who are not quite at home in this world,
May we all together accept this kind invitation from Jesus:
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
Praise To The Lord The Almighty (Joachim Neander, Catherine Winkworth arr. Citizens; addl. verse Joel Limpic, JD Raab)
In Tenderness (Garvey, Gordon, Walton arr. Citizens)
CONFESSION OF SIN: From The Valley of Vision:
Thou blessed Spirit, Author of all grace and comfort,
Come, work repentance in my soul;
Represent sin to me in its odious colors that I may hate it;
Show me my ruined self and the help there is in Thee;
Teach me to behold my Creator,
His ability to save,
His arms outstretched,
His heart big for me.
May I confide in His power and love,
commit my soul to Him without reserve,
bear His image, observe His laws, pursue His service,
and be through time and eternity
a monument to the efficacy of His grace,
a trophy of His victory.
Make me willing to be saved in His way,
perceiving nothing in myself, but all in Jesus.
ASSURANCE OF PARDON: Psalm 103:8, 13
Way Maker (Osinachi Kalu Okoro Egbu)
GREETING, SERMON, RESPONSE & COMMUNION
Refugee King (Away From The Manger) (Benedict, Reagan, Ruth, Scheer, Vice)
O Praise The Name (Anástasis) (Benjamin Hastings, Marty Sampson, Dean Ussher)