OLD TESTAMENT: Ezekiel 31-32
POETRY: Psalm 128
NEW TESTAMENT: John 3:22-36
Psalm 128
A song of ascents.
1
Blessed are all who fear the Lord,
who walk in obedience to him.
2
You will eat the fruit of your labor;
blessings and prosperity will be yours.
3
Your wife will be like a fruitful vine
within your house;
your children will be like olive shoots
around your table.
4
Yes, this will be the blessing
for the man who fears the Lord.
5
May the Lord bless you from Zion;
may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem
all the days of your life.
6
May you live to see your children’s children—
peace be on Israel.
Today is a special day. It’s the birthday of my oldest grandchild, Scarlett. All of my grandchildren are precious and I love them all dearly. I can’t believe how blessed I am to have so many who call me Grandpa or Poppa or Poppy. Scarlett is the first to make me a grandparent. Psalm 128 names being able to see your children’s children a special blessing.
Reading this Psalm again touches me deeply and reminds me not to take things for granted like enjoying the fruit of your labor. Not everyone does enjoy the fruit of their labor due to war, disaster, or disease. We should not take the blessings we receive in life for granted. Life does not always go how we planned or wished. Not every man is blessed with a fruitful vine with a table surrounded by olive shoots. Not every parent is blessed to live long enough to enjoy their grandchildren. I’m currently battling some pretty serious diseases. One of my motivators to be healed is to enjoy my family… and honestly, I’d like to meet not only my grandchildren but also my great grandchildren in a few years.
I also want to see the prosperity of Jerusalem and peace in Jerusalem. That will happen when King Jesus returns. I’d like to be around to see that too. But if I should close my eyes in the sleep of death, I will see Jesus, and I hope my family, my church, and my friends at the first resurrection.
The blessings that await us at the coming of Jesus will be awesome. I want to see you there too. Don’t overlook both the promises or warnings in John 3:36 “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them.” Don’t miss out on the blessings that come through Jesus. May God bless you.
Pastor Jeff Fletcher
Reflection Questions
- What are the blessings you have already seen? Thank God for them
- What are the blessings you still hope to see before Jesus returns or you sleep in death?
- What does Jesus’ return mean to you?
- What is your greatest hope for the future? What do you need to do today to increase your chances of taking part in that future?
Seek Grow Love 