Here's Hope

Jerry Rea, Pastor

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God Will Take Care of You

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There is an old song that says just that - “God Will Take Care of You.” The message of the song is not deep theology.  I’m not sure most of us need deep theology. Apologies to you theologians out there.  What people need is an assurance that whatever comes their way, God will be there and take care of them.  We all know this is true, but we sure do like to hear someone say it.  Most of us have experienced His care but we still want to hear it.  Most of us have fears, and we need to hear it. 

First, we’ll start with God’s awareness.  He knows when every sparrow falls; surely He sees you.  Often we are tempted to believe that no one even knows we exist.  That is just not true.  He watches us, and He watches over us.  If a good shepherd would leave the ninety-nine and seek out the one lost sheep, doesn’t it make sense that God realizes what you deal with? It is (lamentably) true that many believers don’t know us and even don’t know about us.  People will be people.  Most of us get consumed with our own troubles, let alone see someone else.  That’s not true about God.  He cares about you and He will take care of you. 

Next, let’s consider God’s history.  If you look back (hindsight is always 20/20) you can testify to His great (sometimes even miraculous) provision.  The good shepherd knows your needs.  He takes care of His sheep by leading them to a place of cool water and green grass. He polices the wolves and lions that lie in wait.  He carries a rod and staff to guide and ward off the enemy.  He knows you, but He also knows what you need.  He has always been there for you; why would today be any different?

Then, there is the issue of God’s relationship with His people.  You are not just a number, you are in relationship with God.  You have received His grace and are forever His.  He owns us, true, but He does not own you like owning a home.  He has consented to live in relationship with you.  I’m reminded of Adam and Eve and God in the first chapters of Genesis.  The Bible’s testimony is that they walked with God.  He doesn’t just watch them with a microscope or a telescope, God walks with them.  Fast forward to the New Testament and you see Jesus saying to His disciples “follow me.”  They live with Him.  For the ministry of three years Jesus was there day in and day out.  He taught them endlessly, His principles and His values.  Then, even when He went back to the Father, He sent the Holy Spirit to live within them as guide, yes, but more importantly as companion.  Why did He send the Holy Spirit?  Because, God will take care of you.

There is a somber date ahead of all of us.  We will leave this earth to head to heaven.  God has that covered as well.  “I go to prepare a place for you” - then, He’ll come again and receive us to Himself.  Heaven is heaven because we get to live with Jesus for all eternity.  I’m not really, concerned about streets of gold.  Angelic music is something awesome to look forward to, but its nothing like being with the good shepherd.  Being with Him IS heaven.  You see, God takes care of our future, just like He’s taken care of our past.  “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life” - that’s now.  “And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever” - that’s future.  He takes care of us in both places, now and forever.

God Will Take Care of You - that is my hope!

Jerry Rea