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| Volume 21 Number 1 January 2019 | Page 15 |
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| Volume 21 Number 1 January 2019 | Page 15 |
Editor's NoteMarilyn LaStrape
Psalm 67 was the basis for a recent sermon at the congregation I attend. This Psalm has only 7 verses, and very pointed observations were made during this sermon from every divine declaration in each of those verses. Verse 6 reads, “Then the earth shall yield her increase; God, our own God, shall bless us” (NKJV). The ESV reads, “The earth has yielded its increase; God, our God, shall bless us.”
Verse 6 tells us that God gives the increase from the ground for life. He gives life to the planted seed. The preacher then said, “We all live hand to mouth—His hand to our mouth.” That really got my attention. As I reflected on the statement, even while he was still speaking, passages that speak to that reality began to flow through my mind as I began to take more notes.
When the children of Israel were delivered from Egyptian slavery, God gave them the land of Canaan. Moses commanded the people to be careful to observe all of God’s commandments, statutes and judgments in the land they were to possess. Moses said in Deuteronomy 6:10-12:
So it shall be, when the LORD your God brings you into the land of which He swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give you large and beautiful cities which you did not build, houses full of good things, which you did not fill, hewn-out wells which you did not dig, vineyards and olive trees which you did not plant—when you have eaten and are full–then beware, lest you forget the LORD who brought you out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage. (NKJV)
God provided for Israel from His hand to their mouths.
When King David instructed the children of Israel to bring offerings for the building of the Temple, they were willing and most generous. In 1 Chronicles 29:10-18, David affectionately and gratefully praised the LORD before all the assembly. He thanked God and fully acknowledged that both riches and honor are from God who reigns over all. Further, he praised God for His power and might and the strength that He gives to all. In verse 14, David humbly stated, “But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly as this? For all things come from You, and of Your own we have given you.” In verse 16, David repeated their total reliance on God because nothing becomes a reality without Him. “O LORD our God, all this abundance that we have prepared to build You a house for Your holy name is from Your hand, and is all Your own.” From His hand to their mouths, God provided. Can we remember the days when our children wanted to buy us a gift, and in the next breath they asked for the money to pay for it?
When Solomon stood before the altar of the LORD in the presence of all the assembly of Israel, he offered a prayer of dedication as the Ark of the Covenant was brought into the Temple (1 Kings 8:22-66). In verse 24, King Solomon said, “You have kept what You promised Your servant David my father; You have both spoken with Your mouth and fulfilled it with Your hand, as it is this day.” In verses 25 to 53, Solomon prayed for God to be merciful, forgiving, attentive, protective, generous and watchful of His people and the foreigner who could join them. Particularly in verses 35-36, he prayed, “When the heavens are shut up and there is no rain because they have sinned against You, when they pray toward this place and confess Your name, and turn from their sin because You afflict them then hear in heaven and forgive…and send rain on Your land which You have given to Your people as an inheritance.” Again, God’s blessings proceeded from His hand to their mouths.
In verses 41-43a, Solomon prayed “Moreover, concerning a foreigner, who is not of Your people Israel, but has come from a far country for Your name’s sake for they will hear of Your great name and Your strong hand and Your outstretched arm, when he comes and prays toward this temple, hear in heaven your dwelling place, and do according to all for which the foreigner calls to You.” Verses 44-65 enumerate the numerous blessings, requests and supplications that Solomon requested in prayer on behalf of the people, which were predicated on their faithful obedience to God’s commandments, judgments and statutes. Verse 66 ends the chapter and states, “On the eighth day he sent the people away; and they blessed the king, and went to their tents joyful and glad of heart for all the good that the LORD had done for His servant David, and for Israel His people.” God provided from His hand to their mouths.
Jesus’ address in the Sermon on the Mount reminds us of how we all live hand to mouth. He said in Matthew 6:24-26:
No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and riches. Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow or reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?
Birds have got to be some of the most carefree creatures in all of God’s world.
When Paul instructed Timothy, he stated in 1 Timothy 6:17, “Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy.” God blesses from His hand to our mouths. Philippians 4:19 is a very familiar passage to students of the Word and servants of God’s will. “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” God supplies His children with what they need from His hand to their mouths–and it will be that way forever. John recorded as much in Revelation 22:2, which reads, “In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.” Even in eternity, God will supply from His hand to our mouths.
Blessed in Unnumbered Ways
Sadie Hodge
As the days ebb swiftly by,
Sweet memories fill our minds,
Of wonderful people both young and old,
Who touched our lives through time.
God has blessed us in unnumbered ways,
Throughout the years gone by,
With wonderful friends and family,
Who walked lovingly by our side.
Know that you were one of these,
And feel special in your role.
You influenced, encouraged and loved us,
Your kindness kindled our soul.
We wish for you a fulfilling year,
Of blessings great and small,
Having a thankful remembrance,
That our Father grants them all.