Praise the LORD for carrying us through 2020

 It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. Laments 3:22

Greetings to the readers in the matchless name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ !!!. I am writing this on Dec 31, 2020. Less than 24 hours to enter the New year 2021, I believe it is the time to look back and reflect on the year 2020.

Let's thank God Almighty, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ as He brought us to the last day of this year. As we look back this year, we could think of the losses, pains and troubles we came through. Some of us might have lost our dear ones or had suffered health issues, business or job loss and might have experienced other difficulties. But, God is faithful and brought us thus far. He says, "Like a man carries His child, I have carried you." Deut 1:31. The one who brought us safe thus far will still lead us until we reach Him in glory. Psalm 48:14

Let's look forward and enter the year 2021 with unwavering faith. The birth pangs the world is going through will increase as per the scriptures. But, this is the time, we should look up as our Lord instructed in Luke 21:28, "Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near." Whatever the troubles of sufferings may be, greater is His promise, "Behold, I with you all the days until the end of this age." Matthew 28:20. Let's all put our burdens on His unfailing Word and go to Him.

He calls us saying, "Come unto me, all you that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart and you shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30. Let's turn to Him and then our souls will get much needed rest. He said to His disciples that, "Peace I leave with you. I am giving my Peace to you and not like how the world gives. Let not your heart be troubled neither let it be afraid." John 14:26

Let our hearts and eyes fixed rock solid on Jesus Christ (Word of God) this new year. He says, "Be still and know that I am God." Psalms 46:10.

In this New Year 2021, I speak the High Priest blessing on you,

The LORD bless you and protect you

The LORD make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you.

The LORD lift up His countenance on you and give you peace.  Numbers 6:24-26.

All glory, honor and praise to the Father through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

38 years

So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. Psalm 90:12

Do you know the Israelites who came out of Egypt wandered for extra 38 years than the originally planned 2 years? That makes a total 40 years in wilderness. During the second year, they struggled against God saying that He had brought them to die in war against Canaanites provoking God to give them a curse that for each day the 12 spies spied the land, they will spend one year making it a total of 40 years. But, it is actually 38 years from the time the spies were sent.

Following verse confirms this, And the space in which we came from Kadesh–barnea, until we were come over the brook Zered, was thirty and eight years; until all the generation of the men of war were wasted out from among the host, as the Lord sware unto them. Deuteronomy 2:14

You might ask what's there in it. In New Testament, who is the person with longest illness but was healed by Jesus? The woman having a blood issue suffered for 12 years. The woman with her back bowed was affected for 18 years. But, it was the man at Bethesda pool who suffered for a maximum time of 38 years. John 5:5

So, what is the connection? The man represents the unbelieving Israel and it took 38 years for them to wander in wilderness before crossing Jordan. Same way, the man healed after 38 years. But, what is more interesting is the present connection of 38 with respect to Jerusalem. In July 1980, the Jerusalem law was passed by Israel declaring that Jerusalem is the Sovereign capital of Israel. The, then president Ronald Reagan supported Israel but never accepted Jerusalem as Sovereign capital of Israel. Then, Bill Clinton said that he will recognise Jerusalem as capital. All the presidents from Clinton to Obama waived off the decision which comes to their review once in 6 months.

But, the time came. God brought Donald Trump to the power in 2017 in a super natural way. Trump declared Jerusalem as the Sovereign capital of Israel in December 2017 and moved the US embassy to Jerusalem in 14, May 2018, which is also the 70th anniversary of the independence of Israel. This is exactly the 38th year from 1980.

We could see God's hands turning history to accomplish His prophecies. Now, we are at the 40th year from 1980. The number 40 represents divine appointment. As we map 38 years, our Lord is going to turn His attention to Israel to find the final remnant portion as per Romans 11:5,25 and Zeccharia 13:9. This will match the healing of man at Bethesda after 38 years of illness. God will bring His revival for Israel and complete all His prophecies in the forthcoming years as per Acts 3:18-19.

So, let's watch and pray as we don't know the hour the groom will come for His bride. We are also in the 73rd year of Israel independence and 73 is a significant number.

There is another interesting fact with the number 38. We all know the smallest chapter in the Bible is Psalm 117 that has just 2 verses. But, do you know there is only one book in the Bible that has 2 chapters. It is the book of Haggai which is the 37th book. But, what is more interesting is this book has exactly 38 verses in total !!! Amazing, isn't it? Number 2 represents Son of God and grace and truth.

All glory, honor and praise to the Father through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.