“Whether you gather inside or outside, be safe.”  Those were the parting words of the commentator following the first Maple Leaf hockey game since Covid19 restrictions came into effect.  Not a fan was in the stands inside the stadium, but outside the stadium that usually draws huge crowds, the first hockey game in months was played and watched in many a home and even in ‘socially distanced’ backyards.  For hockey fans, it was a great day!

The phrase, ‘inside and outside’ is common. We hear the words “inside the crease” in reference to hockey. For those who fish, the line heard is, “are the fish inside or outside?” Inside means they have come in from the open expanse of ocean making fishing easier for smaller boats. 

Putting the words, that God spoke, deep inside their hearts and minds was one of the first things taught to God’s people.  They were taught to keep it on the inside so that they would be protected; kept safe from the influences of the outside. If the word was deeply fashioned into their lives on the inside they would not be drawn to, or enticed into, worshipping that which the world around them worshiped; money, power, self, happiness, sex, possessions, status, something more. God their creator knew these were empty but easily walked towards.

To keep the words of God inside their hearts and minds alive and active, Moses said to the people, “Talk about them wherever you are, sitting at home or walking in the street; talk about them from the time you get up in the morning until you fall into bed at night.  Teach them to your children” (Deuteronomy 11:18-19).

Sometimes it is easier to talk about the play ‘inside the crease’ in the hockey game last night, or the fish that was caught ‘inside the strait’.  The Lord reminds his people that when you are walking and when you are talking with each other, make sure you talk about the word that is inside you. Make sure you talk about the things of God. To help each other live safely in the outside world we need to ‘encourage one another and build one another up” (1 Thessalonians 5:11).  The word does this! We need to help each other put on faith…and love…and hope (v.8).  The word does this!  We need to keep each other immersed in the words of God so that we are not drawn away by that which entices but produces little life – idols of our day which are no different than idols in the past.

Today we may have opportunity to talk about hockey, fishing, fresh Ontario fruit and vegetables, Covid19, the weather, grandchildren (😊), our job, our concerns of life, and the list goes on.  My prayer is that today, we would also be able to speak to a fellow journeyer about the words of God that are in our lives – what we are learning, how God is becoming greater, what Jesus has revealed, how the word has brought encouragement during these days.  In doing so, whether gathering safely inside or outside, we will find our faith, hope, and love, in and for our God, strengthened.

The following song reminds us of the story that lightens and brightens a day when shared.  We can share the story, with words from inside our hearts and minds, with those who have already heard and those who haven’t.  Lord, make us your story tellers today!

200: Tell Out The Wonderful Story

1. Tell out the wonderful story,
Tell it where'er you go;
Tell of the king and His glory,
Tell how He loved us so.
This is the story most precious,
Jesus has died to redeem us;
You can tell out the sweet story,
You, yes, you.

You can tell out the sweet story,
You, yes, you.
Somebody's life will be brighter,
Somebody's care will be lighter;
You can tell out the sweet story,
You, yes, you.

2. Never a story so wondrous,
Tell it to all around;
While we were sinners He loved us,
Mercy and grace abound.
Wandering and weary He sought us,
Back to the Father He brought us;
You can tell out the sweet story,
You, yes, you.

You can tell out the sweet story,
You, yes, you.
Somebody's life will be brighter,
Somebody's care will be lighter;
You can tell out the sweet story,
You, yes, you.

3. Wonderful story of Jesus,
Tell every sin sick soul;
Wonderful message of mercy,
Jesus can make them whole.
Still flows the wonderful river,
From every sin to deliver;
You can tell out the sweet story,
You, yes, you.

Living Word, author of the great salvation story, we confess that we do not always speak quickly about the word that is inside us, reviving and restoring us. By your Spirit give us each an opportunity, accompanied with your courage and boldness, to encourage someone with your word today.  Enables us to help keep one another safe and secure from outside influences which would seek to discourage and distract us from the things that breathe your life. AMEN