What a wonderful Gift!

O. T. #2090   "What a Wonderful Gift!"

Dec. 20, 2021

Joel 3-Part 4

So shall ye know that I am the LORD your God dwelling in Zion, My holy mountain: then shall Jerusalem be holy, and there shall no strangers pass through her any more. (verse 17)

LET IT GLOW

Can you think back to the times you have listened/watched children programs at Christmastime? What a sweet sound as precious innocent ones sing about our Savior and His praises. They seem to be able to touch hearts like no other, right?

In looking at Psalm 127 again, we find that children are a blessing and gift from the Lord, a reward.

Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is His reward. As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them. (verses 3-5a)

Children should be treated as a wonderful inheritance, who are given loving care and training. Unfortunately, it is too common that children are a burden instead of a blessing, a treasure. Society often looks down on a family of 4 or more children. (Our daughter has 6 and niece has 5.)

If we do not teach our children to know and love the Truth in God's Word, who will? Then in years to come, who will plant the seeds of Truth and fight the battles against evil? If parents do not shape their children with Christian qualities, and aim them in the right direction (toward Jesus), who will? If they do not see moms and dads live depending upon God by faith, where will they find it?

Not every couple is blessed with children. However, they can value, pray for, be examples, protect and give spiritual teachings to other children.

Too many wrong examples are being exposed to our precious children of sinful lifestyles nowadays. We must point out to them what is right and wrong according to God's Word. Protect them as much as we can from sinful influences.

So next time we see a mother with several children at the grocery store, let's offer them a helping hand, encourage them, let them know how blessed they are to have those priceless gifts hanging onto their leg.

LET IT GROW

Joel is speaking in the third chapter of the coming promises of restoration of Judah and Jerusalem, as well as the Day of the Lord, the Great Tribulation period, and judgment upon the enemies of them.

When the sun and moon darken everything, and He roars out of Zion, and earth shakes, look up, for your Redemption is nigh. Jesus will be the hope and strength of His people.

What are the effects upon Jerusalem and Judah when God pours out His judgment?

• They will know that Jehovah is God.
• They will know He is in their midst.
• Jerusalem will be holy
• Strangers will not violate Jerusalem and Judah anymore. [Liberty Bible Commentary]

Wow! What a contrast of the fate of Israel and the nations. Isaiah 51 described Jerusalem, the Holy City, and Israel as a desert turned into a garden, where there will be thanksgiving and melodies of praise sung to Jesus and joy and gladness will be.

Folks, we don't have to wait for Jesus to return, for He is here with us right now in the form of the Holy Spirit. He can give us joy and gladness overflowing as we rejoice in a Savior being born, dying on a cross, and rising from the dead so we can have live forevermore with Him.

Dear one, do you know this Blessed Savior Jesus? Have you admitted your sins to Him and asked His forgiveness yet? He loves you so much and is waiting to give you His gift.

LET IT GO

Thank You Jesus for coming as a baby, living a perfect and sinless life among a sinful mankind.

May we never get over such a miraculous and wonderful gift You have given!

Thank You for the blessings of children in our families and churches and communities. May we raise them in the admiration of the Lord Jesus Christ.