Sunday Meditation, May 2

The Sovereign Love of Jesus

Scripture for Meditation: John 13:18-20

“I am not speaking of all of you; I know whom I have chosen. But the Scripture will be fulfilled, ‘He who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me.’ I am telling you this now, before it takes place, that when it does take place you may believe that I am he. Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever receives the one I send receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.”

Prayer of Blessing

Responsive Reading: Psalm 41:5-10

To the choir master. A Psalm of David. . . . As for me, I said,

“O Lord, be gracious to me; heal me, for I have sinned against you!”

My enemies say of me in malice, “When will he die, and his name perish?” And when one comes to see me, he utters empty words, while his heart gathers iniquity; when he goes out, he tells it abroad. All who hate me whisper together about me; they imagine the worst for me. They say, “A deadly thing is poured out on him; he will not rise again from where he lies.”

Even my close friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted his heel against me. But you, O Lord, be gracious to me, and raise me up, that I may repay them!

Prayer of Corporate Confession

Silence for Personal Confession

Assurance of Pardon: Luke 22:31, 32

Behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. 

Response: Thanks be to God.

Instrumental Meditation

Ministry of the Word

Transition to Singing

Feel free to leave at this time or stay for the singing.

Hymn of Love: Come, Ye Sinners, Poor and Needy

Come, ye sinners, poor and needy, weak and wounded, sick and sore;
Jesus ready stands to save you, full of pity, love and power. 

Chorus:
I will arise and go to Jesus; there I will find his mercy sure.
In the arms of my dear Savior, I have need of nothing more. 

Come, ye thirsty, come, and welcome, God’s free bounty glorify;
True belief and true repentance, ev’ry grace that brings you nigh. 

Come, ye weary, heavy laden, lost and ruined by the fall;
If you tarry till you’re better, you will never come at all.

Let not conscience make you linger, not of fitness fondly dream;
All the fitness He requireth is to feel your need of Him.

Chorus:
I will arise and go to Jesus; there I will find his mercy sure.
In the arms of my dear Savior, I have need of nothing more.

Stanzas by Joseph Hart, 1712-1768
Original chorus words Anonymous
Alternate chorus words by Bob Kauflin

Hymn of Sovereignty: A Debtor to Mercy Alone

A debtor to mercy alone, of covenant mercy I sing;
I come with your righteousness on, my humble off’ring to bring.
The judgments of Your holy law with me can have nothing to do;
My Savior’s obedience and blood hide all my transgressions from view.

The work which Your goodness began, the arm of Your strength will complete;
Your promise is yes and amen, and never was forfeited yet.
The future or things that are now, no power below or above,
Can make You Your purpose forgo, or sever my soul from Your love.

My name from the palms of Your hands eternity will not erase;
Impressed on Your heart it remains, in marks of indelible grace.
Yes, I to the end will endure, until I bow down at Your throne;
Forever and always secure, a debtor to mercy alone.

"A Debtor to Mercy Alone” Original lyrics by Augustus M. Toplady, music and alternate lyrics by Bob Kauflin.  Copyright 1998 Sovereign Grace
Praise (BMI).  Sovereign Grace Music, a division of Sovereign Grace
Ministries. Used by permission. CCLI #2783020

Hymn of Security: He Will Hold Me Fast

*All Scripture, English Standard Version. © 2001 by Crossway Bibles. Used by permission.