Joel 2:15 Blow the trumpet in Zion; consecrate a fast; call a solemn assembly; 16 gather the people. Consecrate the congregation; assemble the elders; gather the children, even nursing infants. Let the bridegroom leave his room, and the bride her chamber. 17 Between the porch and the altar let the priests, the ministers of the LORD, weep and say, “Spare your people, O LORD, and make not your heritage a reproach, a byword among the nations. Why should they say among the peoples, ‘Where is their God?’”
Beloved Lighthouse family:
It is a real joy to see you this weekend. To us, weekends are the best parts of each week primarily because we, as God’s holy people, can come before God’s royal presence, to give Him the praise that He deserves, to fellowship with each other, and listen to God’s Word so that we may be instructed to be God’s worthy representatives in a sinful, rebellious world. So we happily welcome you to the gathering of God’s family today.
Our world continues to feel the impact of the global crisis. In some ways, it is worse here in the Philippines that in most parts of the world. That is sad, but we rejoice in the resilience of the people, and in the continuing hope that things will turn around and we can have a more normal life again. Regardless of how you may be feeling today, know that there is hope for you in the Lord. Go to God through prayer, faith, repentance, and surrender. He is willing and able to help you.
This weekend, let’s talk about a topic that is so neglected among the people of God, inspite of its great proven value to help people in their greatest times of need. Let’s talk about what the Bible calls as solemn assembly. And in particular, we will talk about the special or emergency solemn assembly. It is a gathering of God’s people for the specific purpose of humbling ourselves before God, fasting (abstaining from food), and praying for God’s mercy in forgiving our sins and removing the judgment that is on us. When a nation or group of people is being ravaged by plagues and other destructive forces, they can and must call on God in genuine repentance for the forgiveness of individual and national sins so that God’s mercy and forgiveness may come and the judgement that is approaching or already at work may stop. Many in Bible times and throughout the history of man have done this, and they received forgiveness and protection or healing of the land. May we do it in this critical time of our nation’s life, and may God have mercy on us.
Yours truly,
Pastors Lathur and Leah Badoy