5-25-2021

   Good Morning All!

       Numbers 6:24-26; “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.”

    If the weathermen are right, for most of us today is going to be a rather uncomfortable day.  It will be warm, not as warm as yesterday, with some wind.  The dirt will blow, and the soil will dry a little bit more.  The pollen is high right now; hay fever is running strong.  The middle of spring almost feels like the dog days of summer.

     As we look at our verses, some will recognize them as the Aaronic Benediction.  We use it often and it is a higher form of benediction.  Part of the reason is because God specifically commanded Aaron and his sons to use this benediction with the people to show that God had placed His name on His people.

     The last portion where “the Lord lift up his countenance” is a little confusing.  Other words for countenance are face or favor.  One way to think of this is like a parent who has taken a young child to the park or playground to play for a while.  The parent never really takes his or her eye off of the child.  The parent keeps a watchful eye toward the child to be sure that no harm befalls the child.  Our heavenly father is doing the same for us.

     God watches over us, keeping us safe from all harm.  His face shines upon us the same way a loving parent beams at the sight of their child.  God loves us and sustains us with all the grace that He has.  It is poured out and directed at us with such a copious amount that we cannot help but feel his blessings.  Even on days like this, God blesses us with his tender mercy guarding us from all that the devil throws our way. 

     So, what do we do?  The question remains.  Today will be a good day to place a little extra effort in sharing God’s love with those around us.  Jesus hung on a tree for us; we can bring a friend or a co-worker a glass of water.  Check on your neighbors, especially the older ones, and make sure everyone is ok.  Hot weather can make some people cranky so be a little more patient and be sure to smile and say thank you.  Small and simple acts of kindness which reflect God’s love, to us and for us, to the others around us. 

     It will be a challenge; the devil will try and convince you that this is a bunch of hooey, but God calls us to share his love with others we meet.  We too often think in huge terms and ideas when it is the simple ones which truly show our love for Jesus. 

     We have been blessed by God; redeemed by the blood of the Lamb for eternity.  God claims us by name and looks upon us with his protective ad loving eye.  We are truly blessed; let us show the world what we have and tell them how it can be theirs as well.  

 Gracious Father, your blessings are new every day and your mercy continues to shine upon us.  For this we give you thanks.  We pray for those who do not know the comfort of your grace and mercy.  Use us Father to spread your loving gospel message.  We also pray for those who are experiencing the hurricane, that you would protect them and keep them safe.  In Jesus’ precious name we pray, amen.

God’s Peace,

Pastor Bret