If the God of my father, the God of Abraham and the Fear of Isaac, had not been on my side, surely now you would have sent me away empty-handed. Genesis 31:42
As a kid, I loved going fishing with my dad. We lived by the ocean and my dad found a 12-ft tin lifeboat off a ship and bolted a 9.5 horse-power outboard motor on it. We would cruise the bay trolling for ‘the big one’. It wasn’t the size of the boat or motor that excited me…it was the size of the fish we regularly caught. Three-foot long Spanish Mackerel, mid-size tuna, and a plethora of other salt-water dandies was our common reward!
Occasionally, we would run into trouble. One time we raced (I use that word loosely…it was a 9.5 hp engine!) back to shore just as a huge tropical storm hit. Another time, the motor gave out as we were chasing a swordfish and had to paddle a looong way back to shore. Actually, that little engine failed us more than once!
Do you know what I never felt in those moments of trouble? Unsafe. As I reflect on it, I realize that maybe I should have felt insecure, some fear, or at least a little anxiety, but that was never my experience. I think I know why. I was with my dad. There’s just something about having my dad with me that makes me feel protected. He’s trustworthy and strong, and his presence always provided a sense of security, no matter how big the waves were.
This week we consider the Presence of Protection from Genesis 31. I encourage you to read it and count how many times the word “father” is used (hint: you’ll need more than all your fingers). As you do, consider the theme of protection and the power of God saying He would be with Jacob.
Then be sure to arrive early to hear the Advent reading at the beginning of the service and then worship the One who promises to never leave us, and that He will be with us to the end of the age!
Pastor Nate Newell
Pastor Nate Newell