Some Summoner!

“The Mighty One, God the Lord,
    speaks and summons the earth
    from the rising of the sun to its setting.
Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty,
    God shines forth.

Our God comes; he does not keep silence;
    before him is a devouring fire,
    around him a mighty tempest.
He calls to the heavens above
    and to the earth, that he may judge his people:
‘Gather to me my faithful ones,
    who made a covenant with me by sacrifice!’
The heavens declare his righteousness,
    for God himself is judge! 

‘Hear, O my people, and I will speak…
    I am God, your God…
For every beast of the forest is mine,
    the cattle on a thousand hills.
I know all the birds of the hills,
    and all that moves in the field is mine.

“If I were hungry, I would not tell you,
    for the world and its fullness are mine…
Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving,
    and perform your vows to the Most High,
and call upon me in the day of trouble;
    I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me…’
The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies me;
    to one who orders his way rightly
    I will show the salvation of God!” Psalm 50:1-7a,7c,10-12,14-15,23

The Mighty One, God, is the LORD! He summons the earth to spin and orbit and bear vegetation. He summons the sun to burn its light and life giving energy, and sustains all heavenly orbs in proper place. He shines out of perfect beauty and grants the favor of His presence. He comes, remains, keeps, and is not inert or silent. He sees and knows all things and judges uprightly. He owns and orders and supplies all creatures and rhythms and necessities. There is no fullness apart from His bounty. And this God summons His people into a relationship of salvation and glory. He is some LORD, worthy to be praised! (Psalm 19:1-3; Colossians 1:15-17)

How does He summon us day to day? His splendor in sky and sea, birdsong and fragrance, texture and mineral, beckon us to behold His glory. Each delicious taste, every puff of breeze, the chirping cricket and quirking frog all summon delight and thanksgiving. His word is a lamp to our feet and guard of our heart. Are we taking the time to look, to listen, to take in His heavenly repast for every sense? Are we ingesting His word into mind and spirit? He is the One who quickens the heart with emotion at seeing a poignant reunion, stirs the pang of tears at a difficult parting, awakens compassion for the hurting and broken… He beckons. God is the One who roils the storms to test our faith, whose word closes in with conviction leading to cleansing, whose kindness softens the hardest heart… He beckons. He supports, directs, sustains. He leads us to unfamiliar places and invites us to new experiences, service, and growth… He beckons. (Psalm 73:24; 119:11,105; Ezekiel 36:26; Romans 2:4; Hebrews 4:12)

How is God beckoning us today? To what change of attitude or forsaking of sin? A purer and deeper love, or lustier praise? Where is He rearranging priorities, redirecting desires, repurposing our talent?

Gracious God, attune my ears, heart, and ready response to Your summoning so I might glorify You with faithful sacrifice and praise.