March 29, 2020
John 16:33
“I have said these things to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
Last week I told my readers to look at First UMC Dublin TX for First United Methodist Church on Facebook, but Pastor Ken sent the service to his own Facebook page. Our congregation and friends had to search for the program and most all found it!
The special Sheran Weibel sang for us was great. She accompanies herself, sings, and smiles all at the same time. I greatly admire that.
Pat Beaty was our pianist and she led us in our songs. Pat does a wonderful job and we are thankful for her.
I don’t know about you, but I am just happy to be alive this morning. And I’m living in Dublin, Texas, right where I want to be.
The scripture lesson I read was Ezekiel 37:1-14. It is about Ezekiel being led by God out into a valley full of dry bones.
He asked me, “Human one, can these bones live again?” I said, “Lord God, only you know.” He said to me, “prophesy over these bones, say to them, dry bones, hear the Lord’s word! The Lord God proclaims to these bones; “I am about to put breath in you, and you will live again.”
Pastor Ken asked, “Do you think God chose Ezekiel to be His prophet to the nation of Israel because he was innovative and had a creative flair? I doubt it.”
God seems to choose His servants based on their obedience, not their skill set. The job of prophet is probably the loneliest job on earth. They have one job: to speak for God. Sometimes God has some uncomfortable things to say to us.
Prophets are symbols of hope. If God had given up on His people, He wouldn’t send a prophet. He wouldn’t send anybody.
The small nation of Israel had been conquered by Babylonia. Jerusalem was in ruins, the Temple was destroyed, and the survivors were forced into exile in the city of Babylon. These people had lost everything, their place of worship, their family and friends, and they were living in poverty. The worst of it was they had lost their identity as God’s chosen people.
Ezekiel tells the Hebrews “This is what the Sovereign Lord says: My people, I am going to open your graves and bring you up from them; I will bring you back to the land of Israel.”
We find our hope in this: God always keeps His promises. And we, as God’s people, can base our lives and our hope on the promises of God.
Our web site is http://fumcdublintx.com and Facebook is First UMC Dublin TX, the email is fumcdublintxsecretary@gmail.com
See you on your computers or I phone this Palm Sunday. God loves you and Pastor Ken and I love you too!