It’s nice to learn that somebody’s good deed to help us was something that he or she had been planning for a long time.
Imagine getting a costly gift from someone and then learning that the person had been saving and planning the presentation for months.
That information would significantly sweeten the moment of receiving the gift.
Why? Because the forethought reflects a deep appreciation for who you are in the giver’s life.
We’ve all experienced this blessing, both in being the recipient and in being the giver.
It’s really nice.
Now think of the infinitely greater blessings of salvation and inner peace and life in a godly congregation, each of which God planned for us even before the Universe was created.
Think of how prophecy after prophecy was given in the Old Testament, pointing to the time the gift of a Savior would be given to the world to show God’s deep longing for intimate relationship with every human soul.
Think of how the joy of sinless, intimate fellowship with God — awaiting us in heaven — was planned for us from the moment it was forfeited in the Garden of Eden.
It’s such a rich thought to ponder these priceless gifts that God wants us to receive.
I was reminded of the above while reading this morning from Psalm 146:
He keeps every promise forever.
He gives justice to the oppressed and food to the hungry.
The Lord frees the prisoners.
The Lord opens the eyes of the blind.
The Lord lifts up those who are weighed down.
The Lord loves the godly.
The Lord protects the foreigners among us.
He cares for the orphans and widows (vv. 5-9).
Even the most basic review of Jesus’ ministry finds that God delivered on the above promises during His Son’s three years of ministry.
To think that Jesus’ work plan included that which was promised centuries earlier is quite significant.
Jesus was on a mission to show people that God loved them and had been planning for a long time to bless them and, for whoever would accept the remedy, to save their souls.
Please start planning now for how you might bless someone months from now in a way that shows the deep appreciation for who he or she is in your life.
It’s the right thing to do and will show God that you want to be more like Him.
As always, I love you
Martin
