“The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes. This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:22-24 NIV
People with handicaps experience the world’s rejection in many ways. They have been referred to as a “burden” on society. Frequently doctors use amniocenteses, a procedure that can identify medical conditions of a baby still in the womb, to counsel parents to abort a less than perfect child.
But man’s judgement is flawed when it comes to things of true value. God’s way of measuring worth is far different from our own. God does marvelous things. He creates people of all shapes, sizes and abilities. And so, the Psalmist tells us, each day we rise up and say, “This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.”
For many years our family spent a week at Camp Omega in southern Minnesota during developmentally disabled week. These grown yet childlike campers were a delight. They knew how to rejoice in each day.
We would say, “It’s time for breakfast.” “Yea!” they would shout. “It’s time to clear the tables.” “Yea!” they would shout. “It’s time for Bible Study.” “Yea!” they would shout. “It’s FOB (feet on bunk) time.” “Yea!” we would hear once again. “It’s time to sing. It’s time to swim. It’s time to take a shower.” “Yea! Yea! Yea!” was the cheerful response . “It’s time for bed.” “Yea!” we all would shout.
1Cor.1: 27 says that God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and He chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. When I think of the faith with which those mentally challenged campers moved through the day I am indeed shamed.
When is the last time you shouted “yea!” at every step of your day? If it is true (and it is) that all things work together for the good of those who love God and have been called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28)NIV than “yea” should be our constant response as well.
So, to all you wise, strong, and healthy people out there, the campers from Camp Omega’s mentally challenged week want to remind you:
This is the day that the Lord hath made.
Rejoice, rejoice and be exceeding glad.
This is the day that the Lord hath made.
Rejoice, rejoice. Hallelujah.
Rejoice, rejoice. Hallelujah.
“Yea!”
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