Opening Day

Open to me the gates of righteousness, that I may enter through them and give thanks to the LORD. This is the gate of the LORD; the righteous shall enter through it. I thank you that you have answered me and have become my salvation. The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. This is the LORD's doing; it is marvelous in our eyes. This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalm 118:19-24 ESV). Today is opening day of archery season for deer in Tennessee. My view from the tree will be overlooking a field beside a tree line that borders a small creek. The leaves are still on the trees here, though some have begun to color a little. The weather will be pleasant, cool but not cold. To the east of me is a steep hillside that gives and incredible vista as the sun rises and the world begins to awaken. The birds will chirp a bit as they start their daily activity of gathering food and getting ready for the approaching winter. Squirrels will begin to rustle through the grass and leaves looking for acorns and hickory nuts to store away. And, if I’m fortunate, the deer will wander down the tree line. Don’t worry, it is highly unlikely that I’ll do anything more than just watch them slip by me unaware that I’m even there. It will be a time to declare the same praise as the psalmist in our reading today: This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it! I love this passage of Scripture. It declares the assurance of the psalmist in the goodness of the Lord at so many levels. Sometimes I need to be reminded of those levels. I do love to be outdoors this time of the year. The colors of the trees are truly incredible in Middle Tennessee. It is a great reminder of the majesty of God. Every sunrise and sunset serve to remind us of the newness of God while, simultaneously, recalling for us the everlasting nature of our God. However, the greatest reminder is centered in the work of grace on our behalf through Christ. The “doing” of the Lord is in providing this cornerstone that holds all of creation together. That is the redemptive work of Christ. Because of him I can walk through the gates of the Lord without fear or judgment. I walk through as a child of the King! Now that’s worth singing and shouting about. I hope I won’t actually be singing or shouting this morning… that surely would scare every critter within earshot away! I do know that my soul will be shouting though. How about yours?