Pastor’s Column 5/4/2025

PASTOR’S COLUMN

23 “They will not work in vain, and their children will not be doomed  to misfortune. For they are people blessed by the Lord, and their children, too.”  24  I will answer them before they even call to me.  While they are still talking about their needs, I will go ahead and answer their prayers!”      Isaiah 65:23-24, NLT                                                                        

“Always Ahead!” 

It is important for all who trust God to understand that He never lags us. The children of Israel placed the Ark of the Covenant at the front of their processionsbecause it was an acknowledgment that God lead them and they followed. When the Ark was carried into battle at the front of the brigade, Israel always prevailed in war. Because Jesus came and atoned for our sins, we no longer need to place sacrifices before the mercy seat of the Ark. However, we Christians especially should be aware that the same God who protected His people in the wilderness, protects us. He also is the One who gives us what we need to sustain our lives. Jesus taught us to pray to God, the Father for our “daily provisions.” (Matthew 6:11a, NLT). Jesus undoubtedly was aware of a longer version of the petition, which said, “…Give me neither poverty nor riches! Give me  just enough to satisfy my needs.” (Proverbs 30:8b, NLT). Because God is ahead of our needs, He can satisfy what is necessary to sustain us both  physically and spiritually. Jehovah Jireh is the great name which describes God placing provisions before us.  We need to avoid praying in such a manner as if God is unaware of what are our needs. God never plays the proverbial “catchup” game. David said our thoughts and speech patterns cannot compete with the speed of God’s awareness of our needs. In what is commonly called the Third Book of Isaiah, we see a God who stresses the need for His people to believe that any need or loss they have, will be restored. The restoration work of God is swift, in that God moves ahead of our longings, sighs, and prayers. Jesus intimates that our boldness in “asking” God for what we need, only can be substantiated by our belief in Him!