Sunday, January 24, 2010

Representing God

Hello and happy Sunday to all! In my quiet time I read a devotion that really struck me. It is such a simple concept but sometimes hearing the familiar from a new angle helps me to own it. The concept is representing God!
In Numbers 6: 22-27 God spoke to Moses telling him to speak to Aaron and his sons. God told him to tell them that God wanted to bless them and the children of Israel; that He would keep them and shine His face upon them and that He would be gracious to them; He would also lift His countenance upon them and give them peace.
This is a scripture that my pastor always ends our service with. Sometimes we get so used to hearing a scripture repeated that we tend not to think about what it really means. My devotion goes on to talk about the duties of a priest. The first duty is to go before God to represent the people. Secondly, he would represent God to the people as he declared the Word to the people. JUST STOP AND THINK ABOUT THIS. WHAT AN AWESOME RESPONSIBILITY TO REPRESENT GOD TO OTHER PEOPLE!
Well, as I thought about it I realized, duh! That's what my job is too! Those watching God's representatives develop their concepts of Him by what they see in the priest, that is why God is so concerned in how He is represented before the people. Numbers 6:22-27 tells us that God desired to bless the people and that He wants His name associated with peace. Are we doing our job? When people look at us do they see the reality of God: who He really is? The world is watching and if we represent Him as getting frustrated and angry over small annoyances what kind of picture are we painting?
I am guilty! I know that I do not always represent my gracious God properly. So I offer a prayer to Him now; Lord, forgive me for the times I have not represented the true nature of who You are. Lord fill my heart with compassion, tenderness, kindness and goodness. Allow these to flow from my life that all those around me may see who You really are and get a TRUE concept of Your nature. Allow Your Spirit to to work in my life and continue to transform me and to show Your goodness. Help us to be priests who represent You well. Lord forgive me for the times that I misrepresented You. In Jesus name I pray.

So to all of my brothers and sisters, " The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace."

Melanie

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