In a dangerous world with many traps, who can we consistently rely on for escape? What have we escaped through faith in Jesus? Let’s begin in Psalm 124
A Song of Ascents. By David. (WEB)
Do we need God on our side for protection, for guidance, for blessings?
If the Lord had not been on our side—let Israel now say—if the Lord had not been on our side, when men came against us, (Ps 124:1-2 ISV)
What would have happened had God not been on their side? Was the stream literal or analogous of invading armies? What is the moral lesson about God’s protection? How does God protect us for all eternity?
Then they had swallowed us up quick, when their wrath was kindled against us: Then the waters had overwhelmed us, the stream had gone over our soul: Then the proud waters had gone over our soul. (Ps 124:3-5 KJV)
Though we may help each other, who is our ultimate help in a world of predators and many of their traps? Who alone can rescue us from the ultimate snare, death?
Blessed be Yahweh, Who has not given us to be prey for their teeth. Our soul has escaped as a bird out of the snare of the trapper; The snare is broken and we have escaped. Our help is in the name of Yahweh, Who made heaven and earth. (Ps 124:6-8 LSB)
If God is for us, who can fight against us and win the battle?
What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things? (Rom 8:31-32 NASB)
Who did Paul ultimately rely upon for help in difficult circumstances that he could not handle? Have we set our hope on Him that He will continue to deliver us now and into eternity?
Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many. (2 Cor 1:9-11 NIV)
In a dangerous world with many traps, who can we consistently rely on for escape? What have we escaped through faith in Jesus? You decide!
