Blessed are you, Israel! Who is like you, a people saved by the Lord? — Deuteronomy 33:29 God's people are a blessed and happy people. They know the joy of having new life in Christ, and they have the sure hope of living eternally with him. For all who belong to the people of God, it is good to be reminded of these words of Moses to God’s people Israel. Moses wanted the people to remember how privileged they were, so he said, in effect, “Blessed are you, Israel! Who can be compared to you? The Lord himself has saved you.” God’s people are blessed because they have been chosen by God from eternity. They are the object of God's loving care in all circumstances. Salvation is the greatest of all gifts. It is a gift of eternal consequences. It is an expensive gift that all the riches in the world could not buy. This gift cost God the life of his own Son, Jesus Christ. And through this costly gift God freely gives us salvation. We cannot do anything to earn or accomplish salvation; nor do we deserve it in any way. God is pleased to give it to us by his merciful grace. Salvation and new life are an undeserved favor. The happiness of God's people lies in this capital truth: we are saved by the Lord! We praise your name, O God, for in your gift of salvation, full and free, we are truly and completely blessed! Thank you for loving us so much and for making us your people. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.