Fields United Methodist Church

Side by Side with Jesus.                                                Pastor Tom Joyce

January 20, 2021

“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift his countenance upon you, and give you peace.”

Numbers 6:24-26

Known as the great priestly benediction given to Moses by God, these words have been for centuries affirmation of the presence of God in the lives of the faithful, especially during challenging times. It is God saying, “I will continue to bless you, will continue to offer you grace, hope, and will give you my peace wherever you go.”  Do you know that God has blessed you throughout your life and that you are precious in God’s sight, honored and beloved by the One who created you, equipped you, and redeemed you through Jesus the Christ? God’s blessings to you began at the time of your conception and will continue “even to the end of the age.”  There are times, and perhaps this is one of those times, where it seems your voice is not being heard, that isolation from others and the uncertainties of the day seem overwhelming; remember the voice the cannot be silenced, the love of God that surrounds you, and the Holy Spirit that enlivens you is with you especially now, especially today. This is the blessing that is being offered to you right now, this very moment, but like any gift, it needs to be received, opened, celebrated, and witnessed. When you place your faith in the love of God through Jesus Christ you will know the freedom and power only God can give.  Your faith in Jesus Christ is the most precious gift you have, offered to you by God’s grace.  So when life seems overwhelming and the world around you seems out of control, remember the gift you received from God, remember you are the beloved of God, and nobody, no law or decree can ever take that away from you. Remember, your help comes “from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” (Ps. 121) Remind everybody, shout it from the hills and offer the Word of hope to all people. If ever the world needs the hope offered by God through Jesus, it is now; God’s Word is the answer. Now may “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you, be gracious to you; the Lord lift his countenance upon you, and give you peace.” Amen and amen.

Rev. Tom Joyce