This series began with the promise that God is with us, and it concludes with the same promise. Every Sunday, pastors stand with their arms raised, congregation members with open hands, and we pronounce blessings over one another. A new journey and a new week await you beyond the threshold of the church building; no matter how uncertain it may be, one thing we know for sure is that the Triune God is our protector.
When Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt, God guided them along the long route (a 40-year detour) for their own good (as per Ex 13:17-18). I understand the people’s murmuring. Don’t we sometimes murmur on our life’s journey? Aren’t we also pilgrims who must face the unknown every day? But one thing we can be certain of: every step of this journey takes place in the presence of God. That’s why the priests had to remind the Israelites every day: “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace” (Num 6:24-26).
This is not a time-bound promise. Even after there was already a temple in Jerusalem, the priests continued to remind the people of this promise. We read in 2 Chronicles 3:27: “When the priests and Levites stood up and blessed the people, God heard it: their prayer reached the holy dwelling of God in heaven.” The promise becomes our prayer: be with us; stay with us; protect us. As You have promised.
I do not know your life. I do not know what challenges lie ahead for you. But I can remind you today of God’s timeless promise!
PRAYER: Thank you that I can experience You—at this moment—as the present God in my life.
MUSIC:
“Stay with Me,” written by Henry Francis Lyte in 1847, is a hymn deeply associated with comfort and divine presence during times of need and loss. The poignant lyrics, which call upon God’s unfailing presence in life’s darkest moments, have made it a favourite in both religious and secular settings. This performance was part of a festive music hour held on Sunday, 21st September 2024, at the Silvertown Auditorium in Athlone, Cape Town, directed by Jason Atherton with the New Apostolic Church’s Youth Choir and Orchestra.