Blessed is he who comes

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the lord. This exact passage is in the Bible six times (NIV version) Psalm 118:26, Matthew 21:9 and 23:39, Mark 11:9. Luke 13:35 and John 12:13. Sometimes passages are repeated as a quote from the earlier Old Testament passage but not all of these are referring to the Psalm passage. Each passage however is talking about Jesus as the one who comes in the name of the Lord.

I wonder, though, if it also refers to anyone "who comes in the name of the Lord". If I show up at a meeting and I am there with pure intentions and a belief that I am there serving Christ as part of his church, am I also blessed? I have to believe that I am. I know that feel blessed when I volunteer. I feel blessed when I show up at Bible Study. I feel blessed when I plan programs that I feel God wants me to do. I feel blessed when I sing in the choir. I firmly believe that anyone, not just Jesus, "who comes in the name of the Lord is blessed."

For me, since I'm not clergy, all of that noted above is volunteer work. What if I can go to work "in the name of the Lord"? What if I can wear Jesus on my sleeve and work "in the name of the Lord" in a secular job? This has been a struggle for me, at least in my last position. I need to make it a point to "come in the name of the Lord" to interviews and eventually to a job, whatever that may be. Perhaps, I can be blessed there too, by attempting as best I can to "come in the name of the Lord".

Oh, Lord, Help me to do everything and go everywhere "in the name of the Lord" bring you to each situation and place. Then I will be blessed and so will those around me. Thank you for your promises that are always true. AMEN

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