As a father, I have often become frustrated when my children will not listen to my instruction. What about you? Are there family members, friends, co-workers, leaders, employers, or others that you just wish would listen to you?

The wise person is considered to be discerning in a conversation – speaking with gracious words that will help people understand, rather than words that create barriers.

I recently attended a gripping and all too realistic live production portraying the Easter story. As I watched the crazed crowds screaming for Jesus’ crucifixion spit and hiss on my beloved, bloodied Saviour, something horrified me. The crowd contained exactly the same cast of people who, earlier in the production, had cheered and waved branches as they welcomed their “Saviour” into Jerusalem.

From jubilant welcome to jeering condemnation. What happened?

By the time Christ reached the cross, local authorities despised him. His friends had deserted him. Previously adoring crowds rejected him. Soldiers played dress-up with him, brutalized him, then knelt at his feet in mock worship. Even the louts hanging on the neighbouring crosses ridiculed him. As if that weren’t enough, Mark notes that, “People walking by insulted him (v 29).” That last bit brings me to a full stop.

Thwack! Thwack! Ominous thuds jerked me awake and propelled me to the window. Something hard, striking something hollow. Then, raging shouts and pleading cries.

I didn’t want to look. I had to look. I did look.

First day of the week, A.D.33: After several days and nights of sorrow, the three women who loved their crucified Teacher woke with a plan: to meet very early. To hurry to the tomb. To offer a final gift of service: the embalming of his body.

They worried that the impossibly heavy stone would stop them. They expected a dead body.

There it is again. That amazing statement of God to the people of Israel – not to be afraid. The enemy armies have gathered and Joshua and his armies again must stand against a force that far outnumbers them. Their anxiety and fears are to be expected so once again God says to Joshua, “Do not be afraid of them; I have given them into your hands. Not one of them will be able to withstand you.”

This Psalm is a prayer of blessing to the King of all the earth. He has rightful authority. Our hearts burst with gratitude for undeserved kindness. For personal blessing and grace that reaches the nations, we are drawn to praise him more and more.

The blessing of God sought here reminds us of Numbers 6:24-26.