Worshipping in Dangerous and LOUSY Circumstances

REFUGE

Shelter or relief from danger or anxiety. The OT concept owes its richness to several Hebrew words: mikgāḇ, a high rock (e.g., Isa. 33:16); măʿōnâ, a secure dwelling place (e.g., Deut. 33:27); mānôs, a place to flee to (Ps. 142:4 [MT 5]); and maḥseh, a shelter (Isa. 4:6).

Zion is a refuge against invaders (Isa. 14:32); likewise righteous kings and princes can be a refuge for the people as a whole (32:2). On a personal level, the “fear of the Lord” is a source of confidence and refuge (Prov. 14:26); it is foolish to seek a “refuge of lies” (Isa. 28:15–17).

The Psalms proclaim that God himself is ultimately our only refuge (e.g., Ps. 14:6; 46:1 [2]; 62:7–8 [8–9]; 71:7). To affirm that “God is my refuge” is often a turning point in the prayers of the Psalms, moving the supplicant into confidence and praise (e.g., Ps. 18:2, 30 [3, 31]; 34:8, 22 [9, 23]) and a life of positive testimony to the power of God (71:7; 73:28).

Surprisingly perhaps, refuge is not as prominent in the NT. Peace and restoration are certainly a part of the gospel message (Luke 12:32), but the emphasis tends to be placed on the active witness and ministry that arises from it. Jesus offers rest (Matt. 11:28–30) not as a hiding place but as a yoke. The “refuge” of Christians is in the hope of the eschatological triumph of God in Christ (Heb. 6:18).

ILLUSTRATION 851

FEARING NOT THE RHINO

Topics: Fear; Provision; Trust; Vulnerability

References: Psalm 91:2; Proverbs 3:5–6; Daniel 6:23

A young girl stands in a picturesque meadow. In another part of the field is a gigantic African rhinoceros, which begins charging toward the girl. Her serene and happy face remains unmoved.

As the rhinoceros gets closer, the words appear on the screen, “Trust is not being afraid.” A split second before the rhino tramples the helpless child, it stops, and the girl, her smile never wavering, reaches up and pets the animal on its massive horn. The final words then appear, “even when you are vulnerable.”

The commercial was designed to tout the abilities of an insurance company to protect its clients from the uncertainties of life. How much more does it describe the believer, who can say with the psalmist, “I will say of the LORD, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust’ ” (Psalm 91:2)!

—Stephen Nordbye, Charlton, Massachusetts

Walking Alone

The loving mother teaches her child to walk alone. She is far enough from him so that she cannot actually support him. She holds out her arms. Her face beckons like a reward, an encouragement. The child constantly strives toward a refuge in her embrace, little suspecting that in the very same moment he is emphasizing his need for her, he is proving that he can do without her. - Soren Kierkegaar

Fall Into His Arms

The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.

Deuteronomy 33:27

As I was reading the words of today’s text from Deuteronomy, I recalled an old song written by Ada Habershon. “When I fear my faith will fail, Christ will hold me fast; when the tempter would prevail, He can hold me fast.” Say, that’s good theology!

A lady who was facing difficult trials and troubling circumstances came to W. B. Hinson at the close of a sermon and said, “I’m very much afraid I might fall.” Hinson replied, “Well, why don’t you do it?” “But Preacher,” she protested, “where would I fall to?” “You would fall down into the everlasting arms of God, came his reply. Then he said, “I have read in the Bible that His everlasting arms are underneath His children. And you know, I believe that if you fall down upon those everlasting arms, it is sure and certain that you will never fall through them.”

Yes, the believer can rest in the unfailing strength and support of the omnipotent Father. God bolsters this assurance with a progression of truth in Isaiah 41:10 when He says through the prophet, “I am with thee.” “I will strengthen thee.” “I will help thee.” “I will uphold thee with the right hand of My righteousness.” And in John 17:11 we read this prayer of our Lord: “Holy Father, keep through Thine own name those whom Thou hast given Me.” His request will not be thwarted because our Savior has given every believer into the keeping, safeguarding power of the Father. So even when we stumble, we fall into the everlasting arms of His grace. -P.R.V.

He who to the wind and wave

Commanded, “Peace, be still!”

Stands with arms outstretched to save

And keep you in His will.

-Stairs

When we get to the place where there’s nothing left but God, we find that God is all we need.

Our Daily Bread, Saturday, April