Shelter in Place - Psalm 91

Psalm 91

When turmoil and storms hit, they say to shelter in place until it’s all clear.

(1) Place of Protection

(vs 1-7)

Shelter in the secret place.

secret place has a password: thanksgiving, praise, blessing His name.

Psalm 100:4 (CSB) Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and bless his name.

The secret place is where we gain strength and wisdom to overcome the trials we face.

Secret place is where I develop trust in the Sovereign One. I’d rather abide in the shadow of the almighty in the shadow of shame.

Here, as elsewhere (e.g. Rom. 8:28), the promise is not security from but security in. The Terror of night…mind games that try to influence our imagination

The divorce is not the end.

The sickness is not the end.

The addiction is not the end.

The loss of income is not the end.

The relationship lost is not the end.

The betrayal or rejection is not the end.

The reality of those things doesn’t mean we are under punishment specifically or un loved by God or lack faith…faith is an embodied loyalty to Jesus in the midst of them, not the denial of their occurrence.

(2) Protection from unseen evil

(vs 8-13)

*link in the sermon notes to bible project series on unseen..especially the video on Angels & Cherubim.

Almighty (El Shaddai) or Most High (El Elyon)…there other beings (human and spirit beings) below Him and less powerful than Him.

Angles - messengers with human appearance (no wings or halos)

Cherubim - animal mashups with wings (not babies with harps)

Seraphim (plural from of Seraph) are breed or category of Cherubim…they are fiery or shiny-serpent like winged creatures..most famous one is Lucifer

Evil Forces influence what we see in reality.

Scorpions, Snakes, Birds of the air, beast of field, lions…all terms used to personify or illustrate evil forces at play.

Satan roams like a roaring lion.

this passage lists birds, scorpions, lions, etc.

Jesus said we could trample upon snakes and scorpions (Mk 16)

Mark 1:12–13 “12 The Spirit then compelled Jesus to go into the wilderness, 13 where he was tempted by Satan for forty days. He was out among the wild animals, and angels took care of him.”

illus: Movie Effects (play video)

—> reminds me of Elisha praying for his servant to have eyes to see what is going on in the spiritual dimension.

Do I have my own guardian angel?

it’s not a person/loved one who died…not biblical

the text seems to indicate that God’s angles and cherubim guard and dwell where God’s throne is…so if we are dwelling and living in God’s presence, you’re protected by the angels.

Jesus was led into the wilderness, to be tested/tempted. Took Him on high on the temple (where God’s presence dwelt), and said, jump, let the angels rescue you because You authority is so great.

Jesus debunks the idea by correctly quoting the Scripture. Jesus authority isn’t what makes heaven move, His submission to God’s authority, keeps me dwelling in His presence where protections is found.

Protection is found in the UNDER the authority of God.

Jesus taught us to pray, asking for God to not lead us to walk into them and if we are led into them, to have fidelity to the Father who will lead us out.

God doesn’t influence us to morally commit sin; He is not setting a trap or snare. He does test, refine, purifiy, and try us in order to reveal our allegiance and loyalty(Jm. 1:8)

Trials and testing is an opportunity for joy…because God is in the fire and He is with us and He is where the joy is.

(3) Promise of ultimate Protection

Psalm 91:14–16 “14 The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. 15 When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them. 16 I will reward them with a long life and give them my salvation.”

salvation (deliverance) of the Lord from evil one lurking around and within.

mark of the beast vs marked by Holy Spirit

Sealed for day of redemption

vs 14: Because he has his heart set on me, I will deliver him; I will protect him because he knows my name. This is a direct link to saving allegiance…undivided heart. loyal trust in YHWY.

vs 16 - future day salvation, not at Jesus’ first coming, but more so His second.

“length: continuance in time… ongoing.”

Response:

Are you living under God’s authority?

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PRACTICING THE WAY

As disciples of Jesus, we know our allegiance to Him as King is expressed in our daily practice. We are not pursuing perfection but want to practice our faith each day. These practices will point you toward spiritual formation as an apprentice (disciple) to Jesus.

(1) Start the Bible Recap reading plan.

(2) Recite this prayer/liturgy daily: Keep us, good Lord, under the shadow of your mercy and, as you have bound us to Yourself in love, leave us not who call upon your name, but grant us salvation, made known in the cross of Jesus Christ or Lord.

(3) Talk it Over (with friends, a spouse, or your Group)

Read Psalm 91 The message was about the protection that comes because we live under the authority of God. What did this Psalm teach you about God? What is one idea from Sunday’s message that impacted you? Do you and your family have a plan for what to do when storms or tornado hits? What are some of the supplies or even plans? How do those correlate to the proverbial storms in life? What is the difference between a test from God and a trap set by the enemy? Did anyone watch the Angels & Cherubim video from the Bible Project? Share what you learned.