God’s Principle For Protection
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty (Psalm 91:1). When Jesus was born, the Bible tells us that King Herod staged a manhunt for the young child, to kill Him.
But an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and commanded him to take the child and His mother, and flee to Egypt (Matthew 2:13-14).
Joseph did as he was instructed; but think for a moment: we’re not talking about just any child; we’re talking about Jesus, the Saviour. “Shouldn’t He be protected by all angels? Why flee with Him to Egypt?” you might ask. First, understand that there was no deception whatsoever in the angel’s instruction to Joseph; there was a real threat to Jesus’ life, and Herod actually could have killed the young child if Joseph hadn’t followed that instruction.
Also, notice the angel of the Lord didn’t say, “…Flee to Syria.” The instruction was clear: “…flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word…” (Matthew 2:13-14). If Joseph had gone to Syria, he would have encountered another trouble. It’s important that we are where God wants us. His protection isn’t everywhere; His protection is in His instruction to you.
There’s a similar example in Exodus 12. As a result of Pharaoh’s persistent defiance and hardheartedness to let God’s people go, the death angel was assigned to wreak havoc in Egypt. However, the Lord instructed each household of the children of Israel to kill a lamb and mark their doorposts and lintels with the blood of the slain animal. But they were to stay indoors!
The houses of the Egyptians weren’t marked, and the death angel, in a swoop, struck every firstborn in the land of Egypt, whether man or beast. But you see, there were other strangers in Egypt who weren’t Jews, who knew about this and marked their houses, and just like the children of Israel, they too were protected. We know this to be so because the Bible says when Israel went out of Egypt, “…a mixed multitude went up also with them…” (Exodus 12:38). They escaped that havoc because they obeyed God’s principles for protection. Some people feel they can do whatever they want, and choose whatever way they want to go, and then think God is supposed to see to it that they’re shielded and protected from evil. It’s not so!
God gives instructions and directions; you’re divinely protected in following those instructions and guidance that He’s given you. You’re shielded from all the attacks and evil that destroy others, when you stay in His Word. He’s the boss; when He tells you what to do and where to go, comply. When you align yourself with His perfect will, you’ll permanently dwell in safety. Hallelujah!
CONFESSION
I dwell in Christ; therefore, I’m forever in safety, shielded from all the attacks and evil that destroy others. No weapon formed against me shall prosper, because the Word of God is my life; in Christ, I live, and move, and have my being. Hallelujah!
FURTHER STUDY:
Isaiah 54:17; Psalm 91:1-12
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Hebrews 3 Jeremiah 38-40
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 9:18-27 1 Chronicles 3
