Issue 837 – On Guard – August 26, 2022
Late yesterday afternoon Kathy and I took Mutuma (Mootz) for a stroll down by the Fraser River at Matsqui Park. We are dog-sitting for Kyle and his family while they are at a conference/retreat.
It was warm down by the river but not too hot, and a gentle breeze blew. There were no mosquitos, and the park wasn’t busy. In short, it was an excellent time for walking and sitting to enjoy the views.
After Mootz had some time to walk and wade in the river, we found a shady spot overlooking the river and just sat to enjoy the scenery for a while. Kathy saw a couple of large fish jump, but I missed seeing them.
I watched some sturgeon fishermen hoping to see them catch one, but they didn’t while we were there. I always thought sturgeon fishing would be a fun time, but it is simply too expensive for my tastes.
Mootz sat enjoying the time with us, but even relaxed, she remained alert and on guard. Like many Bernese Mountain dogs, she sees her primary function as protecting the pack against any danger. Her primary pack is her family but includes us if we are present.
Similarly, in the church, one of the primary functions of a pastor is to guard, to shepherd the flock. This guarding is done through teaching sound doctrine, so the people know what the Bible teaches and protects them from falling into error. Even at rest, the pastor is alert, watching over the flock.
There is an even more critical guard. The Lord is the sovereign ruler of everything in creation, and nothing happens without His oversight. He does not cause evil but sometimes allows it for the greater good. He permits and, at times, ordains suffering for the good of His people.
What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:3-39
Whatever we face in life, good times or bad, easy street or times of tribulation, the Lord is on guard. He never sleeps and never misses anything. We are in His capable hands. We can rejoice in knowing that God is perfectly loving and righteous. He sees and knows all things, and we can be confident that His plan is far better than any we can come up with on our own.
Whatever you are facing today, rejoice and give the Lord thanks. He has you safely in His hands.
Hallelu Yah (Praise God)
Be blessed.
Kevin.
Gleanings From The Word.
Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life.
Soli Deo Gloria (for the glory of God alone.)
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