We don’t ever in this day and age hear of someone pronouncing blessings on others. In Deuteronomy 33 that is what Moses is doing for the people and each tribe receives their own blessing.

This morning in our early morning prayer group we prayed and talked about how we might be getting in the way of our own growth from God; is God able to help us or do we think only “others” sin and so need correction. Repentance…realizing our deep need for God who is our help.

Interestingly, we each in varying ways came to a similar realization: we think the salvation of the world depends on us; problems so complex and overwhelming are not ours to solve…they belong to God alone and we need to get out of His way. One of our members pointed out that when we think we can “help” everyone, we assume God’s job so who could possibly need God when they have us? Ouch! That struck a nerve!

In Jesus’s hometown of Nazareth, He was rejected by those He grew up with and loved (Luke 4:14-30), because they couldn’t accept the truth of who He was. They, like all of their people longed for “their” Messiah and could not accept He was right there in front of them. He was teaching them. A stumbling block was in their hearts and they were blind to it. What are we blind to in ourselves that God longs to help us with if we would only let Him?

And yet, a Roman Centurion exhibited faith (Matthew 8:5-13), that because Jesus gave the word, his servant would be healed. He understood authority because he was under authority himself and he had authority over others. When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him, “Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith.” v. 10. Can you imagine amazing Jesus?

As we discussed this morning, a burden God never intended for us to carry is lifted when we turn over to God the complex, dire needs of this world. A blessing! We can’t cause droughts to end, wars to cease, disease to heal. Trust the One who will. That trust, that faith in Him is beautiful to God. A blessing.

Surely it is you who love the people; all the holy ones are in your hand. At your feet they all bow down, and from you receive instruction. v. 3. Moses was concerned with Israel. God is concerned with every single one of us. A blessing. Amaze Jesus – let your faith grow with his help. He’s here.