Layers, many layers. Some of them thick, others thin but layers of protection nonetheless. What am I referring to? Do you believe that God covers us in layers of protection? The ultimate layer being Christ who gave Himself for all. Through this week’s scriptures see if you can spot a few of the layers that God has laid down for our protection.
1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26 18)But Samuel was ministering before the LORD–a boy wearing a linen ephod. 19)Each year his mother made him a little robe and took it to him when she went up with her husband to offer the annual sacrifice. 20)Eli would bless Elkanah and his wife, saying, “May the LORD give you children by this woman to take the place of the one she prayed for and gave to the LORD.” 26)And the boy Samuel continued to grow in stature and in favor with the LORD and with people. Do you remember Hannah? She was favored by her husband but barren. She prayed to God and asked for a child that she promised to give to Him and He delivered. A layer of protection, she had to endure the ridicule of her barren issue and yet she understood that God can do and will do for us.
Psalm 148 1)Praise the LORD. Praise the LORD from the heavens; praise him in the heights above. 2)Praise him, all his angels; praise him, all his heavenly hosts. 3)Praise him, sun and moon; praise him, all you shining stars. 4)Praise him, you highest heavens and you waters above the skies. 5)Let them praise the name of the LORD, for at his command they were created, 6)and he established them for ever and ever–he issued a decree that will never pass away. 7)Praise the LORD from the earth, you great sea creatures and all ocean depths, 8)Lightning and hail, snow and clouds, stormy winds that do his bidding, 9)you mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars, 10)wild animals and all cattle, small creatures and flying birds, 11)kings of the earth and all nations, you princes and all rulers on earth, 12)young men and women, old men and children 13)Let them praise the name of the LORD, for his name alone is exalted; his splendor is above the earth and the heavens. 14)And he has raised up for his people a horn, the praise of all his faithful servants, of Israel, the people close to his heart. Praise the LORD. What I see is everything that God has created will and should praise him. But also all those layers, 32 layers of things praising God. The complete creation and everything in it
Colossians 3:12-17 12)Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13)Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14)And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. 15)Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16)Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your heats. 17)And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Paul is layering it on, compassion, kindness, humility . . .more protection from God, attributes we seek, to mirror the Holy Jesus.
Luke 2:41-52 41)Every year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the Festival of the Passover. 42)When he was twelve years old, they went up to the festival, according to the custom. 43)After the festival was over, while his parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it. 44)Thinking he was in their company, they traveled on for a day. Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends. 45)When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him. 46)After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47)Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48)When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.” 49)”Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” 50)But they did not understand what he was saying to them. 51)Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart. 52)And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man. What do you think was going through Mary’s mind? Thank heaven for the wisdom of God and the layers he gives to us.
Through Christ, Seek God,
D.J. Schoneweis