Pastor's Column 8/27/2023

PASTOR’S COLUMN

“The Lord has done this. and it is marvelous in our eyes. The Lord has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad.” Psalm 118:23-24, NIV

“On This Day!”

It is always good to anticipate future things. Our faith leads us onward. Jesus cautioned all who wish to follow Him, to keep their view forward, as plowing a field. In ancient times, to till a field for harvest meant preparing rows in a straight line. This ensured the best reception for the seeds, which would produce a bounty. While we gauge the future, we also must not fail to appreciate those moments in life, which bring us a sense of renewal and encouragement. The future is before us, but we must begin our journey in the present. The Apostle James told some overly anxious business people, “Why you do not know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” (James 5:14-15, NIV). This good advice does not criticize future planning; but it emphasizes the need to be wise in the immediate. Dr. Howard Thurman often said, “Saddle your dreams before you ride off into the horizons.” There are certain events in life that will teach us to carefully consider what God is saying to us, even though our plans seem to be secure. We must always listen for that Voice that can be heard amidst the turbulence of our ambitions; and the competitive winds, that may push us in certain directions. The beautiful worship litany in Psalm 118, is written after disaster; but on the edge of recovery and restoration. Nearly fifty thousand persons who were returning to Israel after the Exile, were excited about a new future and a new Temple. On the day they realized God had heard their cries, the returning exiles declared the nation alive and not dead. They shouted, “We will not die but live.” (Psalm 118:17a, NIV). In the moment you realize a breakthrough or a change in your circumstances; you should declare that very day, “The Lord has done this, and it is marvelous before our eyes.” On this day, rejoice in the Lord’s goodness. Perhaps this is why Jesus taught, “Give us this day, the provisions we all need!”