A CASE FOR GLADNESS
Pastor Claude Thomas
Psalm 100
Introduction: A story about a dignified Presbyterian
Scottish preacher tells about an experience he had
that revolutionized his life. This preacher was
cultured in all the amenities of the cleric. He said
he was profoundly dignified in his worship. He wore
his black robe, hood, and all of the accouterments of
the clergy, and even from time to time wore his Calvin
clerical hat (little square hat). In all solemnity,
he would lead the choir in a processional. He was a
sight to behold coming down the aisle in his black
flowing robe and swinging sleeves and beautiful hat
set so properly. He said he was so weighted down, he
could barely gesture when he preached.
One Sunday morning as he solemnly led the choir down
the aisle, his 7-year-old son (whose hero was Zorro)
was sitting on the edge of a pew. When he saw his dad
coming, he stepped out and made a quick "Z" and
slipped back into his pew. The church was so full
that no one except the preacher saw him do it. The
dignified preacher was so amused, he lost it. He
chuckled and laughed all the way to the pulpit. He
said his whole attitude toward the worship service
changed. At the conclusion of the service, a great
host of the congregation came to him and said, "I
don't know what happened to you, but we are so
thrilled God has done a wonderful work in your life.
We have never sensed such gladness as you preached."
As I read that story I thought, in a world of grimness
and gloominess, dimness and darkness, there needs to
be a case made for gladness. Psalm 100 does this.
I. Universal nature of gladness
Application: It is pursued by people of all ages,
races, colors, creeds and nations. Some call it joy.
Some call it happiness. But, all desire and pursue
gladness. Societies of our globe and individuals
within the societies have one thing in common -- when
they are healthy t ...
Pastor Claude Thomas
Psalm 100
Introduction: A story about a dignified Presbyterian
Scottish preacher tells about an experience he had
that revolutionized his life. This preacher was
cultured in all the amenities of the cleric. He said
he was profoundly dignified in his worship. He wore
his black robe, hood, and all of the accouterments of
the clergy, and even from time to time wore his Calvin
clerical hat (little square hat). In all solemnity,
he would lead the choir in a processional. He was a
sight to behold coming down the aisle in his black
flowing robe and swinging sleeves and beautiful hat
set so properly. He said he was so weighted down, he
could barely gesture when he preached.
One Sunday morning as he solemnly led the choir down
the aisle, his 7-year-old son (whose hero was Zorro)
was sitting on the edge of a pew. When he saw his dad
coming, he stepped out and made a quick "Z" and
slipped back into his pew. The church was so full
that no one except the preacher saw him do it. The
dignified preacher was so amused, he lost it. He
chuckled and laughed all the way to the pulpit. He
said his whole attitude toward the worship service
changed. At the conclusion of the service, a great
host of the congregation came to him and said, "I
don't know what happened to you, but we are so
thrilled God has done a wonderful work in your life.
We have never sensed such gladness as you preached."
As I read that story I thought, in a world of grimness
and gloominess, dimness and darkness, there needs to
be a case made for gladness. Psalm 100 does this.
I. Universal nature of gladness
Application: It is pursued by people of all ages,
races, colors, creeds and nations. Some call it joy.
Some call it happiness. But, all desire and pursue
gladness. Societies of our globe and individuals
within the societies have one thing in common -- when
they are healthy t ...
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