December 10, 2022

If you diligently heed the voice of the LORD your God and do what is right in His sight, give ear to His commandments and keep all His statutes, I will [allow] none of the diseases on you which I have [allowed] on the Egyptians. For I am the LORD who heals you. Exodus 15:26

There was a man who opened his barn doors widely during a snowstorm and motioned the harrowed birds toward safety. He soon realized that his motions seemed only to frighten them farther away. He thought to himself, “Oh! If only I could be a bird, I would show them that coming into the barn is for their protection!”

God’s protection over us can also be compared to an umbrella. There are many if… then statements from Him in His divine Instruction Book. The Egyptians had made a show of rejecting the true God and His Word, making the very name Egypt synonymous with atheism in prophecy (i.e. Revelation 11:8). God’s tender care for us includes all aspects of our being. There are so many who create an artificial divide between physical and spiritual health as if God cares only for our spiritual health. Satan has accomplished some of his most effective deceptions by leading people onto paths that weaken our bodies and minds. And he also portrays God as a tyrant (very similar to the vindictive, capricious Roman and Greek gods), frightening many away. Let each of us, in gentleness, share the protections and the promises of God with those who are terrified of Him. Pray for paralyzing fear (terror) to be replaced by liberating fear (reverence and honor).

The opening story is often told of the man because of his transformation from atheism to trust in God. The man’s tender concern for the birds during this horrific snowstorm, and the fact that he was frightening them while only desiring their safety, brought this thought to his mind: Oh!... to be a bird! And suddenly there came a quickening that closed the long distance between him and the Lord. The man fell on his knees in the snow and, with a heart full of gratitude, thanked the God of Heaven for sending His Son into this world.

An attitude of thankfulness towards God is a great starting point for everyone whose hearts have become wearied by the world. He came so gently and meekly—a little Baby!—and He spent His life displaying the true character of His Father.

It is good to give thanks to the LORD, and to sing praises to Your name, O Most High. Psalm 92:1

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, upon them a light has shined… And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:2,6b