Genesis 26:4 I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky, and I will give them all these lands, and in your descendants all the nations of the earth will find blessing.
Just this last week my eye appointment was cancelled because the doctor I was supposed to see had left the practice. The nice receptionist said she would send me another referral to another doctor. No problem I said. Then I received a notice in the mail that I had missed my appointment with the original doctor. Crazy! Right! Just like you, I try very hard to keep my commitments with both Doctor’s visits and volunteering.
Today’s Psalm and reading from Galatians speaks of God’s covenant with Abraham. A covenant is an irrevocable commitment. Abraham is remarkable because of his faith. Faith enough that he trusted God so much he was willing to sacrifice his son, Isaac, because of his faith. The parallel is clear that God sacrificed His only son on a Tree. If we have faith we will be blessed.
Abraham proved his faith because he trusted God in everything. We also must trust God in everything. He was committed to God and the covenant that to the service to God. Part of our faith is loving our neighbors. Today our neighbors and friends are suffering. Our faith must help them. We have forest fires in the West and COVID-19 everywhere, even in the White House. Recently, the US Census counted the homeless. The numbers and the need increases, but also God’s grace. Our faith must increase along with the need.
Still we have to look at the stars tonight and think of the miracles God has promised in our lifetime and in the countless generations of the past. In Luke 11, Jesus says today, But if it is by the finger of God that I drive out demons, then the Kingdom of God has come upon you. Our only protection is to have enough faith to trust that God’s finger is upon you and support others to build the Kingdom of God on earth.
Yes, I believe our faith will rub off on others. It can be more contagious than the pandemic. Your faith is much alike the finger of God. It spreads out like the picture of the stars above. It is limitless and it is catching.
Even though we may not like people who are bullies and mean we have to love them as God loves them and most of all pray for them. It was not easy for Abraham. It wont be as easy for us. Jesus died on a tree to make it easier for all of us.
So sacrifice! So pray! You have faith! Our only cure is Jesus Christ. Consequently, those who have faith are blessed along with Abraham who had faith. Please pray for all those who are in need today.
Let your limitless faith light and bless the world.
God Love You Always
Bob Burford
