3-31-2021

 Good Morning All,

         Psalm 91:1: “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High, will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.”

     When life becomes difficult, where do we go?  When you are a kid in school, you usually look for an older brother to look out for you and to keep the bullies at bay.  As you get older, you count on your friends to watch out for you.  You never get to far away from them especially when the tough guys are close by.  You hide in their shadow as much as possible in order to stay safe.

    God offers us a greater safety and played for higher stakes.  Notice how the Psalmist uses two different names to describe God.  First the Psalmist uses the name Elyon (which means “Most High” or “Most exalted”) and then he uses the name Shaddai (which means “provider” or “all- sufficient”).  So, in the first part we dwell in the shelter of the Greatest God, the God above all other gods; the all-knowing, all-powerful, always-present, eternal God.  We stay in his tent.  We lounge at his table.  If you think of this in terms of a middle Eastern king, we would eat dates, fresh roasted lamb or the fatted calf, leeks, pomegranates, cucumbers, fresh bread, and the finest wines.  We would sleep on luxurious silk sheets and drink a mixture of milk and honey.  All with God’s love to invite us and encourage us and with His power to protect us from the devil’s harm.

    This is what God gives us by redeeming us with the blood of His Son, Jesus.  He makes us family.  He makes us part of His holy protectorate.  In Him, we have the joy that is ours beyond our understanding.  In Him, we have peace.  We can rest secure in His loving arms sheltered from the attacks of the devil.  We can fear no evil because we know that evil cannot destroy us but that God, the Most High, will defend us as His own.

    The unbeliever has no clue at the grace that God provides for us as long as we dwell in his shelter and abide in his shadow.  We only get in trouble when we leave the tent and go off on our own thinking we can stand up to the devil and the world.  We soon find out we are no match for these evil forces.  We are only safe when we dwell in the shelter of the Most High.  We are only protected while we abide in the shadow of the Almighty.  What a wonder gift!  What a wonderful promise!  We are to view this lavish meal (whatever yours is!!!) as just a small, microscopic hint to feast we will share in heaven.  Take the most elaborate meal you have ever seen or experienced, it is not even close.  We get what the unbeliever cannot even dream of.  Dwell safe in the shelter of the Most High, enjoy his meal and the time that you spend with Him through our prayers and praise. 

God of all Power, you speak and the world trembles and shakes.  Forgive us our sins.  Strengthen us so that we are ready for your hospitality; we are ready to dine with you.  As you nourish us with your heavenly meal; use our strength to serve in your kingdom.  Through Jesus Precious Name we pray, Amen.

God’s Peace

Pastor Bret