September 25

God as our Big Brother

Ezra 5:5 But the eye of their God was watching over the elders of the Jews, and they were not stopped until a report could go to Darius and his written reply be received.

A note from Smith’s insight into this passage: “On the side of a dollar bill opposite from the bust of Washington is a seal featuring an unfinished pyramid having thirteen steps representing the original thirteen states and the country’s future expansion. Atop the pyramid is the “Eye of Providence,” and above it in Latin are the words “Annuit Coeptis” meaning “He is favorable to our undertakings.” The idea is that God is watching over the United States to bring prosperity and security.
As we worked through the Major Prophets last month, we saw that God was watching Israel as they descended into deep sin. This watching of God caused anxiety and uneasiness among the nation. But today the watching of God is a “watching over” us. Like a big brother protecting a young sister on the playground at school. While we might feel uncomfortable with God “watching” us, we take great comfort knowing that God is “watching over” us every moment of every day.
What is interesting is that right after the words “Annuit Coeptis” are the words “In God We Trust.” Today we get to choose our perspective of God. Is God a distant and uninvolved God or is he watching over us every step of this day. What a different it would make in our lives if we really believed that God was our big brother. We might even get to the point where we say, “In God we trust.”

Hey, the countdown to Oct 18 is fast approaching. We will begin the NT on that day. Invite someone to join you reading the NT in 74 days. Everyone on the journey needs to purchase a copy of the Daily Bible. DARE to follow Christ.

Today is accountability day... let me know where you are in the journey. If you have any special prayer requests I would love to join you in united prayer for these burdens.