Guarded From the Wrath of God

“²²But on that day I will set apart the land of Goshen, where my people dwell, so that no swarms of flies shall be there, that you may know that I am the Lord in the midst of the earth.” – Exodus 8:22 (ESV)

The LORD put up a wall of protection for His people so they would not experience the plague of flies. This may seem like a small thing, but the He continued(s) to guard us. Noah built the ark and he and his family were spared. The Israelites were guarded from the flies and other plagues. The Israelites were delivered by way of dry ground to cross the Red sea. St. Paul’s Church, less than 100 yards from the World Trade Center, was spared in New York on 9/11. The LORD continues to guard his people.

Now, I know that some would and have worked to find ways to explain all of these events. And yes, there may be some scientific explanation for them. But, as God created all things, He created the science as well.

“¹¹Worthy are you, our Lord and God,

to receive glory and honor and power,

for you created all things,

and by your will they existed and were created.”

— Revelation 4:11 (ESV)

I am not here to debate the explanations behind how things happened. I am only here to give my thoughts and show that the LORD’s wrath is real and that as a child of God, I am guarded against that wrath. I have been saved by grace and as such have receive everlasting life in heaven. This world is only a place for me to be right now until my times comes to be with the LORD. And, as long as I am here, I will be guarded against His wrath.

What is your position in this world? Are you subject to the wrath of God? What if you were to accept the grace of God through salvation and be guarded against His wrath in this world?

Not Lost with Jesus

I am wrapping up my study of the word “lost” this morning. I have been reminded that I am not lost when it comes to my relationship with the LORD as He cares deeply for me, ensuring that I am found and join Him in heaven when the time comes. The other point is that once found, I will not be lost as Jesus notes on the night in which he was betrayed.

“⁷So he asked them again, ‘Whom do you seek?’ And they said, ‘Jesus of Nazareth.’ ⁸Jesus answered, ‘I told you that I am he. So, if you seek me, let these men go.’ ⁹This was to fulfill the word that he had spoken: ‘Of those whom you gave me I have lost not one.’” – John 18:7-9 (ESV)

I see this morning that Jesus comes to the rescue, not only to find me when I was lost, but to protect me from being lost in the first place. Here, Jesus identifies Himself as the one the men are looking for and that since that is the case, Those who are with Him should go free. He could have denied who He was to save His own life in the moment, yet He chose to fully embrace who He was not only for the spiritual lives of all as He was here in the world to do, but the physical lives of those in His care as well.

I know that it is easy to talk a big game, but it is a challenge to get in the game and do the work that is needed. Jesus did not just talk, He took action and that action of protecting His people in the face of danger so they would not be lost is what makes Him so much different than others. He did not just talk the talk, Jesus walked the walk and protected/protects His people in all aspects of protection. From the spiritual to the emotional to the physical, Jesus does the work to ensure that we are not lost to the world as one of His brothers.

I need protection daily. I am a sinner who does not deserve the love, care, and salvation offered by Jesus. Yet, He loves me anyway and will take all action to make sure that I am not lost, whether that is to find me when I am lost, or protect me from being lost. With Jesus, I am NOT lost.

What is your status with Jesus? Are you lost or in danger of being lost? What if you looked to Jesus knowing that if you are in either situation, He will find and protect you from being lost?

Sing as We are Protected

The LORD protects me from my enemies as is found in His Word over and over again. He causes them to stumble and fall and He conquers them on my behalf to allow me to continue doing His work. I have been raised up and should be taking the opportunity to praise Him.

“⁶And now my head shall be lifted up

above my enemies all around me,

and I will offer in his tent

sacrifices with shouts of joy;

I will sing and make melody to the LORD.”

— Psalm 27:6 (ESV)

There are too many enemies in this world. I cannot account for them all. They are after me for my following of Jesus and the work I am doing for Him. The evil one is driving those enemies to attack me on all sides and keep me from doing the work for Christ. I have to be strong and know that I am being protected by God as I am doing His work. He shelters me and covers me so that I am able to feel safe and secure.

“⁵For he will hide me in his shelter

in the day of trouble;

he will conceal me under the cover of his tent;

he will lift me high upon a rock.”

— Psalm 27:5 (ESV)

Knowing that I am protected, I have the chance to sing to the LORD. I have the obligation to praise Him for that protection. I have to remember to show all that He is the one behind my safety and security. I cannot and have not done any of it on my own. I have a benefactor to my work. I am granted all from the LORD and that includes the safety to complete the work.

I have to also remember that the safety and protection is for the work that He has for me and it is the work and not the result that I am protected for. I am not guaranteed a part in the result, only in the work. The result may not be what I expected or wanted (riches, acknowledgment, reward). I am to do the work of Christ and allow Him to protect me in that work and know that I have done the work for Him.

I have to sing praise to the LORD for the work and the protection during the work. I have to know that He is with me, even now as I type and study. This is the work of God and I am protected to continue this work in His name. Who this work reaches is not for me to say, I am only to do the work and take it as far as He asks me to take it. The LORD is responsible for the result of the work and I for simply doing it. I am protected while doing the work and will sing His praise for that protection.

Who are you praising for the protection as you continue the work are you doing? Are you even aware that you are indeed protected? What if you approached the work of the LORD knowing that you are protected and that you can sing His praise as a result?