January 15, 2023
I greet and bless you in the name of our Creator, Maker, and ever unforgettable Lord Jesus Christ. The blessed word that the Lord has kept for you today is from the book of Isaiah 52:12 , “For the Lord will go before you. And the God of Israel will be your rear guard”.
From the above context we learn that God of Israel takes care of his children, namely the people of Israel, like a father and promises to go before them in their journey to the promise Land, Canaan. Moses told the people of Israel, how the Lord went before them, to search out a place for them to pitch their tents, to show them the way that they should go, by the pillar of fire during the night and as a pillar of cloud during the day. God carried the children of Israel whom he had chosen for himself, like a father who carries his son on his shoulder. So great was his love and concern for the people of Israel. He carried them in order to avoid, all dangers that could befall, them on their way. On their journey they had to face many hurdles and obstacles. They had to fight all those who came against them, in order to possess the land that was assigned to them. They fought against Anakims, who were like huge giants. But God helped them to be more than conquerors, for the
Lord was with them. Wherever they put up their tents, and rested there the presence of God would descend upon them, in a mighty way. Thus the Lord led them through the wilderness, to the Promised Land, like a father, who cares for his child.
The Lord fed them with Manna, food from heaven, and also brought water out of the rocks, for them and protected them from their enemies. God fought their battles for them, against Amalekites, Sihon, King of the Amorite, and Og king of Bashan. Moses reminds the people of Israel about all the good things the Lord had done for them in their journey, and asks them to obey God in all their ways, as he was not going to accompany them any longer, and God had chosen Joshua, to lead then into the land of Canaan. He tells them not to forget the commandments of the Lord or commit sin on their way and provoke Him to anger because God had borne them on His shoulder and carried them and went before them as the rear guard to protect them and guide them. Our God is a gentle God and also a God of compassion.
God never failed them in supplying their wants, supporting them and subduing their enemies, and preserving them from every hurtful creature that they had to encounter on their way. Having God on their side, they had nothing to dread, or fear because of the Canaanites. Having delivered the people of Israel from the hand of the cruel task masters, in Egypt, God brought them out to a large land flowing with milk and honey. On their journey their clothes never got worn out, and their shoes and slippers expanded as they began walking in the desert land. They actually expanded according to their size, while they were on their journey. God performed extraordinary miracles for them. Just as He performed many miracles in Egypt before He could deliver His people out of the land. He will perform many more miracles, beyond our understanding, that people would wonder if such miracles could ever happen. And all will be surprised to witness such miracles.
Some parents carry their babies on their hip, but if they get tired they might carry them on their shoulders. But God, who has called you for Himself, will carry you on His shoulder, and lead you onward. Wherever you might go, the Lord will carry you as an eagle carries its chicks, above its wings and soar high in the sky. To Those of you who are reading this message I wish to say, that, “ God will help you to carry your journey throughout your life by His guidance, and strong support. He will perform many miracles for you too whenever you go through hardship. When there is a rift in your relationship God will intervene in a marvellous manner through some Evangelist, Pastor, or some Elder and set right your problems. God will reunite your broken families. He will go before you when you prepare yourself for an exam, and help you to excel. In case you are going to attend an interview God will go before you and help you speak the words that God himself will put in your mouth. And help you do well in your interview. You will be selected in the interview. In case you wish to take up onsite job, God will go before you and make all arrangements, for you in the new place, of work or settlement. God will go before you to break all the barriers that are set up against you and cause you to be successful in your endeavour. God will be your rear guard. He will put a hedge of protection and be your shield and shelter. No harm will befall you for He will send His angels to minister unto you. For God will be your confidence and will keep your foot from falling. God Bless you.
Prayer: Our loving heavenly Father, we thank You for this blessed day. Father God, we thank You for being a rear guard and going before us as You went before the people of Israel through the wilderness. We believe that You will lead us safely in our journey that we undertake in this life. Help us to put our trust in you and follow you. Thank You Lord for protecting us from our enemies, and also helping us to live peacefully through the many miracles you intend to perform for our wellbeing. Teach us to humble ourselves before You and walk in the footsteps of Moses who with meekness obeyed You and led the people in the desert.
In Jesus Name we pray.
Amen.
