7 Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving;
make melody to our God on the lyre!
8 He covers the heavens with clouds;
he prepares rain for the earth;
he makes grass grow on the hills.
9 He gives to the beasts their food,
and to the young ravens that cry.
10 His delight is not in the strength of the horse,
nor his pleasure in the legs of a man,
11 but the Lord takes pleasure in those who fear him,
in those who hope in his steadfast love.
Psalm 147:7-11
With Halloween coming up at the end of the month, think back with me to some of your favorite Halloween costumes as a kid, or think of the best costumes that you have seen. Growing up, I remember being a Stormtrooper from Star Wars, a monster from Goosebumps, and the iconic villain from the movie Scream. Now having kids, we have done family themed costumes for some years. One year, we were each a different character from Monsters Inc., and for another, we were a different character from The Little Mermaid.
I have always found it fun to dress up for Halloween, especially as a kid. I always enjoyed wearing a mask or costume, and seeing people trying to guess who I was, or who was behind the mask.
This is something that God enjoys, too, in a sense. Believe it or not, God wears “masks” as He cares for creation, our nation, and people. He uses us as His “mask” as He works through the work we do, the service we render, the meals we cook, and the homes we clean to provide care for our loved ones and those around us. He uses doctors, pharmacists, nurses, physical therapists and others as “masks” as He uses them to care for our bodies and health. He uses police officers, first responders, firefighters, and troops as His “mask” to protect and watch over us. He uses our elected leaders, judges, and other officials as His “mask” to provide order and services for our communities, state, and country. God uses pastors and other workers as His “mask” to help deliver forgiveness and to share His Word. When other people receive these services and acts, they see the person, but it is God working through the person to provide those things for His creation and people. They are His “mask” so to say. God loves working through you, me, and others to help serve, provide for, and care for others. He uses us as His “mask” to do so!
As people called by the Gospel, forgiven by Jesus’ death and resurrection, and being transformed by the Holy Spirit, we are never the same again! How is God using you? Who is He serving and providing for through you? How are you one of God’s “masks” that He uses?
In Christ,
Pastor Kooi
(Originally published in Emmaus Footprints, Vol. XXVI No. 3 – October 2024.)