I’m delighted that churches are taking action to provide emergency accommodation for some of societies most vulnerable people, and they are doing it as an act of worship. Avodah (Hebrew) can be translated work or worship and I’m often challenged about the link between the two. What if our work is acceptable worship to God? What can we hold up at the end of the week – just like a little child who brings their crayon drawing to their dad – and looking to God say “I did that, do you like it?”
Our work isn't always worship, but it can be and has the potential to be. When our work is done in a way that reflects God and it is to the benefit of His glorious creation and kingdom it can be worship.
Christians are being obedient to the Father and reflecting something of God’s love to the homeless community in Glasgow – we’re giving them somewhere to sleep. We have employed a staff of 7 to deliver the Glasgow Winter Night Shelter service, but we also have a team of regular volunteers as well as further help from churches and others to make it all happen.
The team are working, and working really hard. As they work God is being worshiped, honoured, praised and He is getting the glory for the things he has done. The smell isn't always the best in the emergency shelter, but in God’s redeeming power there is a sweet aroma transcending to heaven and as God looks on at our work, or loving heavenly Father smiles at our crayon drawing and says “well done”.
A BIG thank you to Renfield St Stephens Church for hosting this year’s Glasgow Winter Night Shelter and also a special thanks to all the partners, volunteers, supporters and fundraisers – “well done”
It’s Poverty & Homelessness Action Week (25 January – 2 February 2014) what could your church do as an act of worship/work to help those in poverty or who are homeless? Ideas are included in our Church Toolkits, why don't you have a look
No comments:
Post a Comment