Dear Readers and Listeners, Friends in Jesus Christ,
Our watchword for today is taken from Psalm One Hundred and Three verse Twenty Two, “Bless the Lord, all his works, in all places of his dominion, Bless the Lord, O my soul,” (NRSVB). In this psalm the poet, David, recounts the many reasons for rejoicing in the Lord and blessing him for his gracious benefits. The human soul has a profound need to jubilantly praise the Lord for God comes to deliver those who honour him. He blesses them with loving-kindness and prevailing justice. God offers his forgiveness and heals the broken hearted, instead of ashes and decay, God beautifies, dignifies and crowns those who come in humility to him. He turns situations around, even those who feel that they are ageing, lacking in power, receive renewed strength, as if they are soaring away on eagles’ wings.
God forgives and does not deal harshly with those who ask for his forgiveness. He removes disgrace and unrighteousness from the hearts and minds of those who are saddened by their wrongful deeds. God pities those who are oppressed by sorrow, those who are misunderstood, for he understands that humans are fragile, made from dust, a mere breath of wind can cause them to perish. Due the humanity’s inability to protect and save itself, God planned and purposed to serve humans and save them to the uttermost. Because of God’s unfailing and continuous loving-kindness, humans come to him with hosts of angels, the universe and all created things, to worship him with awe.
Jesus taught his disciples that God’s benefits are to be enjoyed on earth, however, the greatest benefits of God blessings will only be fully realized in heaven. Our journey on earth is preparing us for life in heaven. Jesus prepared his disciples to be able to discern on earth, and teach about life in the kingdom of heaven, to those that they would minister to. He promised them that they would spread the gospel, and grow the church on earth, which is a concrete expression of God’s Kingdom. The work of the church is to bring the Kingdom of Heaven to reign on earth. When Jesus came down from heaven to earth, he brought the presence of God to be among the people.
Wherever Jesus went he changed people’s situations for the better. He spoke kind and gentle words to those who doubted and suffered, he healed the sick and he brought comfort to those who lost hope. Jesus came so that people could experience a glimpse of heaven, and of the glories of eternal life, while they were still dwelling on this side of heaven. Jesus had compassion for each individual and valued each nation without measure. He envisaged the entire world to come together and enter into the peace of the Lord. We can look forward to the fulfilment of these promises of peace and the Psalm Twenty Three banquet with our Lord. We will join all the believers through the ages of history and geography of the world and sing praises to the Lord. Jesus said in the Gospel of Luke, Chapter Thirteen verse Twenty Nine, “And people will come from the east and the west, and from the north and south, and sit down and feast at the table in the kingdom of God,” (Amplified Bible).
Father God, we thank you that we are part of your kingdom of heaven on earth, help us to see and enjoy your blessings and benefits that you bestow on us. Let us show your love and compassion to those around us. Help us to reach out to those who are battling the pains and sorrows of this life. This we ask in the Name of your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.