“ ‘Look full in His wonderful face’; not just a glance, but a full look that is strategic.” –Rev. Dr. Samuel Vassel
“To whom can you compare
me? Whom do I resemble?” says the Holy One. Look up at
the sky! Who created all these heavenly lights? He is the one who leads out
their ranks; he calls them all by name. Because of his absolute power and
awesome strength, not one of them is missing. (Isaiah 40:25-26)
In
Sunday’s sermon we were reminded that we are to reflect on God’s control,
compassion, competence, and character. This is what gives us confidence in our Lord. Pastor
Sam referred to the lives of two prominent Old Testament men: Job and Joseph.
The
book of Job has many chapters where the focus is on circumstances rather than
God. Job’s friends, instead of focusing on God, continued to insist that Job
must have done something wrong in order to have suffered such calamities. Job,
instead of focusing on God, continued to insist that he was innocent. Towards
the end of the book, we see that God instructs Job to consider the majesty and
power and creativity of the LORD. Job, even before his goods and household were
restored, gave testimony to his change of focus: “My ears had heard of You, but
now my eyes have seen You.” (Job 42:5)
The
narrative of Joseph, found in Genesis 37 and 39 through 50, reveals to us
that Joseph kept his focus on God. He shared his prophetic dreams with his
family. He remained in favor with God. His captors and overseers recognized and
rewarded his abilities. Joseph’s seasons of suffering did not move him to
bitterness nor self-defense; instead, he continued to point to God as his
source of strength and wisdom.
Pastor
Sam shared with us that we start with the knowledge that God is in control. Can
we walk in this knowledge that saved Job and kept Joseph? Are we ready to turn
our focus from our circumstances, however challenging, and instead turn our
eyes to the One who rules over all?
What are you reflecting on today? Where is your focus? Who are you watching?
Lord God, give us grace
to keep our eyes fixed on You!
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