God promises that as Israel repents they will be a blessing to others like people taking shade, flourishing, blossoming and being known for vintage wine!
Such imagery!
“People will dwell again in his shade; they will flourish like the grain, they will blossom like the vine—Israel’s fame will be like the wine of Lebanon.” (Hosea 14 v 7)
Last Sunday I was privileged to be in 2 different churches who were exactly this to the people in their community. They have become a place of safety, strength and love where people thrive. The result being is that life has become better for so many. One of the first people I met was Sam who to his own admission his life had come crashing down but it was the church that offered him the shade to find recovery. The people of the church had blessed him back into life.
The day before I sat listening to a presentation at my regional day by Teen Challenge. Story after story of lives that were once broken and battered but had found safety and love and were now blessed beyond imagination.
This is the Church, the people of God. And this is you and me. As we turn around and walk with God we become a blessing to others.
You don’t need to do much either. One of our church planters in a town in the north east spoke a few days ago about how she simply heard the Holy Spirit lead her into a coffee shop and though there were many empty tables she asked if she could sit next to a woman who was sitting there alone. That simple act of obedience led to a wonderful encounter of blessing to the woman.
Today someone possibly will be taking shade from the intensity of their life simply because you are there with them. Others will be flourishing and blossoming as you bless them. And who knows you may become likened to a vintage wine!
Be a blessing today.
Missions Paul 