Bible Thoughts August 1, 1999
"Blessed be he that cometh in the name of Jehovah: We have blessed
you out of the house of Jehovah"(Psalm 118:26).
The Hebrews understood the significance of following the Lord's will, that is, acting "in the name of Jehovah." While they did not always abide within the Law, the poets and writers of the Old Testament emphasized this principle in their writings. The Jews reverenced the name of Jehovah,n the house of Jehovah and the words of Jehovah. Their dedication to the God of Israel was evident when they remained true to His will; their lack of dedication was also evident when they turned away from the paths of righteousness and truth.
Christians also act "in the name of Jehovah." Seeking to please the Lord, their interest and dedication is present in their thoughts, words, and actions. Recognizing that they are blessed of Jehovah, disciples live a life of righteousness as they go about their daily responsibilities. Whether in the family, on the job, at play, or any other activity, the Lord and His way is uppermost in their thoughts. Jesus said it, "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness"(Matthew 6:33). The blessings come as a result of fully committing oneself to the service of the one who died for us.
When one "cometh in the name of Jehovah," it is with an open heart ready to receive and obey the Lord's will. As one is committed to finding the truth on any and all subjects, the searching for truth never ceases. An open mind weighs all teachings and actions by what is found in the New Testament. A closed mind is not receptive of Christ's will.
When one "cometh in the name of Jehovah," it is with a desire to learn what is the truth on any subject. This may conflict with previous beliefs. It may contradict cherished positions. It could be the opposite of one's practices. None of these stand in the way of the searching heart that bows itself to the will of Jesus Christ. Jesus said it, "If any man willeth to do his will, he shall know of the teaching, whether it is of God, or whether I speak from myself"(John 7:17). The Lord has placed the responsibility of desiring the truth on every individual. Only a few in the world will possess this attitude, but the faithful possess it at all times on all subjects.
When one "cometh in the name of Jehovah," a proper attitude must be present. The word "attitude" refers to a state of mind or feeling(Webster). There has not been a time in the history of humanity that attitude has not entered into one's beliefs, actions, and reactions. It is not unusual to hear someone say, "He has a bad attitude." What they often mean is they will not listen, or will not consider what is being presented. The disposition one has toward another might also be labeled an "attitude." In fact, it has been said many times, "He/she has an attitude." Prejudice toward the truth or toward people could produce a bad attitude. An unpleasant experience with one who is a Christian could form an attitude negative in nature. The desire to live and act like the worldly has a direct influence upon one's attitude. The previous points on an open heart and desire to learn could be included in the attitude of the person. The "blessed of Jehovah" have a righteous attitude that is manifested in a total dedication to the Lord and His cause. This brings up the next point.
When one "cometh in the name of Jehovah," there will be a willingness to dedicate one's life totally to the Lord. The apostle Peter said, "Lo, we have left all, and followed thee"(Luke 18:28). The Lord would explain to the disciples that no man had left material objects and earthly ties who would not be amply rewarded by the Lord. The greatest blessings are the spiritual benefits that eventually result in a home in heaven. In truth, partial dedication is no dedication at all. The Lord wants the best of our service, not the scraps.
When one "cometh in the name of Jehovah," there will be evidence that one has put the Lord and his kingdom first(Matthew 6:33). Life is a series of choices; it is up to the individual to make his/her own choices. Whatever choice is made, there will be consequences. Those consequences can be good or bad, as such is determined by the choices themselves. Zacchaeus chose the Lord, even though the crowd murmured against him. Paul chose the Lord even though he would suffer persecution at the hands of those who had been his friends. The apostles chose to leave all in order to follow the Lord. A great host in the New Testament chose to give up the religion of their forefathers to be servants of Christ. Such disciples will be blessed of Jehovah for their sacrifices.
Each person who is a Christian has made a choice. The blessings of God rest upon the faithful who remain true to that choice. Remember how Joshua challenged the people of his day? "Choose ye this day whom ye will serve." They made the right choice and the Lord blessed them.
The choices that we make each day determine how much we appreciate and enjoy the blessings of God. The Psalmist realized that the faithful did enjoy what God offered when he stated, "I have been young, and now am old; Yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, Nor his seed begging bread"(37:25). While the Lord "maketh his sun to shine upon the evil and the good," he sends spiritual blessings along with material blessings to those who walk in his paths and remember his commandments. The difference in the alien and the Christian is that the Christian knows the source of all blessings received, physical and/or spiritual. How much do we appreciate the rich blessings that God bestows upon us in this day and time? Think on these things.