“Let your face shine upon your servant, and teach me your statutes.” Psalm 119:135
Dear Redeemer Family:
“Let your face shine upon your servant…” As we come out of the “Dog Days of Summer,” August, where we have had more than enough of the sun shining upon us, I think that it is much better to have God’s face shine upon us. We have recently had a couple of just plain brutal weeks. I have had to keep telling my father, “It will get better in a few weeks.” And I have said that while wondering about the weather myself. Last night, a friend of mine in California texted me to say that they are about to have a heat wave. Seeing as we usually get their weather a couple of days later, the heat may not be over yet. Still, September usually brings an element of hope. The weather cools. The leaves start to turn. The refreshing rain comes more often. Indeed, September and October are two of my favorite months here in Missouri. They are something to look forward to. They are a blessing.
When we think about the statutes of the Lord, we usually think about the 10 Commandments. Or, if you know Jewish Law, the 613 laws that they are to observe. But there are also laws and restraints placed upon creation itself. That includes the cycle of the seasons, and even the weather at times. They also obey God’s limits which are placed upon them. Although, sometimes, I think that they may push the limits.
To have God’s face shine upon us is truly a blessing. And God’s statutes are also a blessing, which ever form they may take. They keep us safe and lead us in the ways which God would have us to go. Although we may sometimes resist them, like rebellious teenagers, ultimately, we know that God gives us things for our good. That’s why the greatest commandment is “to love the Lord your God with all your heart, and soul, and mind.” And a second one is like it, “to love your neighbor as yourself.” As we follow in those ways, God’s face will surely shine upon us, and we will learn the rest of the things that God would have us to do.
Enjoy God’s many blessings for you. And walk in His ways. And let us hopefully enjoy some more pleasant weather as creation also follows its course.
In Christ,
Pastor Rose