God Our Keeper! Series

There are so many verses in the Bible that tells us God is a "KEEPER!" Genesis 31:49, "May the Lord keep watch over you." Numbers 6:24 is our benediction used in our worship services. "The Lord bless you and keep you . . .". Psalms 121:7 says, "The Lord will keep you from all harm. He will protect you . . ". Psalms 18:28 says, "You O Lord Keep my lamp burning. . .". Isaiah 26:3 says, "You Lord will KEEP me in perfect peace. . .". Galatians 5:25 says, "Let us KEEP in step with the Spirit. . ."Ephesians 4:3 says, "Let us make every effort to KEEP the unity of the bond of peace. . ." And Jude 24 reads, "HE is able to KEEP you from falling. . .

During this Christmas season we are reminded of the shepherds who were KEEPING watch over their flocks. . ."

These shepherds were outsiders in the community. The were known as liars and despicable and the religious leaders called them unclean. But God came to them because they needed God when HIM the most. They were doing what God wanted them to do -- to watch over and protect God's sheep! God in return, was KEEPING watch over them and would reward them by being the first see Jesus as a baby. They were faithful and loyal by coming at night to see the babe.

God still chooses to come to the outcasts, the lonely and depressed... the poor and despicable, the sick and dying. He does not need angels but has His Word to tell us of His coming, and to tell us what kind of Jesus He is -- all of God's character -- loving, humble, full of goodness and His Holy Spirit. God chose to come in he middle of the night and HE can do the same in our lives.

David was a shepherd and was watching over God's sheep, but he saw a bigger picture of God as he said, The Lord is my Shepherd and HE KEEPS watch over me . . "(Psalms 23:1) meaning His Lord is watching over and protecting him.

CONCLUSION: Matthew Henry wrote about our God as a KEEPER! "Shall I depend upon the strength of the hills? The princes and kings or great men? NO! My confidence is in God only, as we lift up our eyes above the hills! We look to God who made all of the earthy things as to what they are! We see that our HELP comes from God and we must expect it, in His own way and in His time!

"God is a wakeful and watchful KEEPER! He is never weary, He does not sleep. He is always near for our protection and refreshment. He will preserve the soul. He will KEEP it from perishing eternally. He will keep it in life and death. It is a protection for life. Let us be found in our work assured of His blessings as promised in Psalms 121. AMEN!