March 30, 2022 (Wednesday)
Pre-Easter Theme: What Jesus Taught Us
Theme for this week: We Can Love God
Yesterday’s blog focused on praising God for Loving others through us. Today we thank God for that. “Praise” seems to have a joyful component whereas “Thanks” is a more tempered response. Thanking God for loving people through us is the result of assessing the situation in which God loves people but His plan includes allowing His love to flow through His children to a needy world. When we “rejoice” about that, we are expressing joy to be a part of what God is doing in the lives of others, through us. When we “thank” the Lord for that, we are acknowledging His wisdom in finding a way to love people that involves His children in the process.
We began yesterday’s blog with a recitation of “The Great Commission,” Christ’s call to us to bless others by sharing with them the good news that God loves them so much that He willingly gave up His only son for us.
The diamond of Christian service is many faceted. It has many ways to express itself. It can be a pat on the back, a hug, a prepared meal, a bill of groceries, a warm blanket, a new pair of shoes, warm clothing, etc. etc. There are numerous paths of service to God. We begin by inviting the Holy Spirit to help us live lives of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. We continue by staying on the lookout for the needs of people all around us. We become involved in helping others in whatever ways we can. All of this is taking place as God is showing people He loves them by inspiring us to help them.
What a wonderful plan God has. Let us thank Him for His providential plan to express love to all people. Again, let us rejoice that we can have a part in God’s plan.
Years ago I heard a legend that I would like to share with you today. Keep in mind, the incident is not recorded in the Bible, and is fictional, but at the same time expresses an undeniable truth about how God does His work. The story is that a person approached Jesus as He was about to ascend to Heaven after accomplishing His mission as Messiah. The person asked Jesus, “What is your plan to keep all this going, since you will no longer be here in person?” “Well, Jesus said, I have given the message to Peter, James, John and the others and they will take the message to people who need to hear it.” “But,” interrupted the questioner, “what are your plans in case they fail?” According to this legend, Jesus said, “I have made no other plans. I am counting on them.”