Lent Midweek 3 2020

Psalm 91

March 18, 2020

Zion Lutheran Church + Nampa, ID

How quickly things can change in life.  In our time, information is passed along at such a rate that things can change not only day by day but hour by hour. For us in the last month, the world has been turned upside down. From smooth and routine for many of us, to uncertain We make plans, but those only stand according to God’s will. He guides and directs all things, often for a purpose that we cannot see or understand. We know these things, but to believe in challenging times is challenging. 

Which promises of God are the hardest for you to believe in?  What do you struggle with right now? That God promises to provide, even in the midst of need? That God is always present? That God will never forsake you no matter how bad you are or have been or will be? 

I think that Genesis 22 is the place where one sees a biblical person hold onto the Lord's promise, and frankly, it’s pretty amazing.  God promises to make Isaac into a great nation, then He commands Abraham to kill him. Abraham is like, "No problem. Slitting my sons throat and sacrificing his body cannot prevent the Lord from keeping His word." What faith, what hope. 

We are the children of Abraham through faith in the promise, by the grace of God, and we are preserved by the grace of God. When our faith falters, the Lord is faithful and just. He enlivens, He forgives, He strengthens, He blesses. 

Psalm 91 is a strong confession of that faith and example of a life entrusted to God’s protection and safety. When fearful times arise, we seek the Lord’s refuge, for He is our fortress. There is a sure defense found in the Lord.  The Psalmist writes, “Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name. When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation” (Psalm 91:14-16). 

Those who find refuge in the nailed pierced hands of Christ are not exempt from the dangers of the world. Faith is not a magic talisman or a good luck charm we carry around. But the Lord does command His holy angels concerning you, to guard you in all your ways. God does not let these threats and hardships separate us from His love in Christ Jesus. He is our one foundation. We wait the consummation of peace forevermore. 

Because Jesus lives, so shall His Church. The Lord does not and will not stop His work on, in, and through His church, nor turn His back on His children. Where the Word of God is present, preached, taught, and administered, faith will be awakened and strengthened. And where two or three are gathered, Christ is present. God has said it. Faith believes it. Where Christ is present and active, so is the Church. We are not idle, but active in prayer, in service toward others, in love and compassion, to share the good news of our salvation in Christ, to shine a light in the darkness of our world, to bring comfort to the afflicted, peace in the midst of uncertainty, and the Life of the world to the world.