The Choosing of God

At the close of Haggai’s prophecy, the people of Israel face the monumental task of completing the rebuilding of the temple. But the prophet leaves them with a comforting note—that they are uniquely called to the task (“I have chosen you,” Haggai 2:23). As the hymns and Scriptures in the rest of the service indicate, the Lord will prosper the efforts of those He calls. Psalm 144 (which we both read and sing) declares that He “trains [our] fingers for the fight,” and that He gives victory to His chosen (Psalm 144:10). Hebrews 12 encourages us to “run with endurance the race that is set before us,” and we sing in response that we triumph only through Christ’s power (May The Mind Of Christ, My Savior). Hymns like Rise Up, O Men Of God, O Put Your Trust In God, and O Church, Arise call us to action, imploring us to add our strength to the church’s mission, to walk in “duty’s path,” and to hear the “call of Christ our captain.” In contrast, God Moves In A Mysterious Way urges us to rest in the providence of God and to take courage even in the midst of storms, difficulties, and bitterness. The service closes with a Benediction from Hebrews and the hymns Christ Is Made The Sure Foundation and Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates that all echo the message of Haggai. We have received a kingdom that cannot be shaken and a blessed land where Christ is confessed. He is our “sure foundation” and our help forever. Now we need to get to work. —Henry C. Haffner