Psalm 100 An Occupation of Highest Honor

Scripture Thought for the Week: Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness, come before him with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. Psalm 100
One of my favorite devotional books is entitled, Prayer, Praise & Promises by Warren Wiersbe and its content focuses on the Book of Psalms. As I have begun my fifth year of reading this manuscript, I find a new nugget of wisdom or understand a concept from an entirely different vantage point daily. Reading Psalm 100, Mr. Wiersbe has suggested that the Christian has been given the highest occupation one could hold. That occupation is the worship of the Lord Jesus Christ. As I thought about this statement, my mind immediately reflected on the countless occupations encompassing the world today. Even in my own mind when I think about employment opportunities, I think of those worthy of my skill set and knowledge. What is it about us as a human race that we want to feel important in all avenues of life? We all like to be served, waited upon, given the highest seat of honor when attending an event and given a familiar nod as we walk down the street, dont we? But Mr. Wiersbe gives four elements of worship we need to implement as we seek to honor our Lord. He first lists the element of serving; Serve the Lord with gladness. When we are serving we should exemplify happiness and smile simultaneously! Ever been to a restaurant or place of business and the person that waited on you genuinely appeared happy to care for your needs? Needless to say, it probably made your experience a pleasant one. Do we embrace each opportunity to serve others with happiness and smiles?? Secondly, we are to sing to the Lord, Come before His presence with singing. I dont know about you, but when I sing it makes all the other concerns in life melt away a little bit. No wonder the radio or some other means of music is turned on as soon as the car engine starts! Music lightens our loads! Third, we are to submit to the Lord. Know that

the Lord, He is God; it is He who has made us, and not we ourselves, we are His people and sheep of His pasture. The sheep follow the shepherd out of obedience and
trust because the shepherd makes safety, protection and comfort his primary concern for his flock. And last, but certainly not least, we sacrifice to the Lord. Now that doesnt insinuate go out and find an animal to lay on an altar as the Israelites were commanded, but it does imply a sacrifice of your time, talents, skill sets and money to the King of Kings in service to others. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with

praise.
If the highest occupation is worshiping our Lord through serving, singing, submitting and sacrificing, how are we measuring up to the occupation before us? May we all be worthy as servants of the Most High God in bringing others to the Cross of Calvary.

Father, be with us as we often struggle as humans with our importance regarding occupations and placement. May we realize each and every day that serving, singing, submitting and sacrificing to you is among the most honorable occupations a Christian is called upon to carry out. May all be done for your honor and glory! In Jesus name, Amen!