July 21, 2022
He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler. Psalm 91:4
Our Creator has many ways of revealing His character to us. The metaphor of a protective parent bird shielding baby birds from danger is so tenderly and powerfully descriptive. The purpose of the revelation of His character is for the development of ours. Born in the likeness of Adam, we are easily caught up in selfishness, the essence of sin. But Jesus is selfless; the very opposite. He is showing us the way of escape from sin and selfishness in His word.
Ever busy to create confusion about the character of God, Satan malevolently yet subtly seeks to substitute his deceptions as to the ways of the Lord. Unless we are daily on the path of seeking to know God more, we can easily be swept away by doctrines of devils (1 Timothy 4:1). In these last days, the enemy’s concentrated effort is evident, but only to those devoted to the Lord and the study of His word.
Two thousand years back, the enemy’s damage to men’s perception of God was displayed to the universe by the rejection of the Savior and His very public humiliation and death. Yet, among the Jews and Romans who collaborated in His murder, a small remnant of people did indeed take refuge under His wings. Satan did his best to shake them from their faith. But this small group of Christ followers went on to share Him across many barriers (and through many trials and obstacles!). His church had an explosion of growth in the first century AD, and this will be repeated before He returns to take us to that place which He is now preparing for us (John 14:1-3).
During His earthly ministry, He surely had times of joy in winning the hearts of some of His listeners. Yet that joy was mingled with pain, as those who should have known Him the most readily chose to reject Him.
“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, but you were not willing!” Luke 13:34
Two truths are revealed here about the unconditional love of the Savior’s heart: even in the midst of His pain over their rejection of Him, He speaks with longing! His love is not diminished, even in the face of rejection. The second truth is that He never imposes His will over that of the people He has created. Only those who are willing to live with Him in the eternal world to come will be there.
Beloved, as you daily encounter the wily foe’s subtle deceptions, you can have assurance that you will not be deceived. How? By staying immersed in the word of God, for His truth shall be your shield and buckler.
“And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us, we will not fear, for God has willed His truth to triumph through us.” Martin Luther