“Jesus Cares For You”
“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will
abide in the shadow of the Almighty.”
Psalm 91:1 ESV
In the Old Testament and up to Passover before Jesus’ death and resurrection, only the High Priest was permitted to enter the Holiest Place in the temple behind the veil once a year. All others stood in the outer courtyard. The appointed High Priest entered the Holy of Holies for a short time, in God’s presence and communed with Him. He looked up and saw the wings of the cherubim which assured him he was “in the shadow of the Almighty.”
On Good Friday, the veil in the temple was torn apart. Because of Christ, every child of God, not just the High Priest, is now invited to “dwell in the shadow of His wings.” The Psalmist reminds us in Psalm 36:7-9 ESV: “How precious is your steadfast love, O God! The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings. They feast on the abundance of your house, and you give them drink from the river of your delights. For with you is the fountain of life; in your light do we see light.”
The Hebrew word for “dwells” is “yashab.” It means dwelling in quietness, resting, enduring, and remaining. To “abide” is to find confidence, communion, and contentment in Him.
In Christ:
* we are saved by His grace from the wrath of God which is to come;
* we live our daily life “in the shadow of the Almighty”;
* we know our future is in heaven;
* we grow in love, trust, and a peace that passes all understanding;
* we wake up in the morning thinking about our Savior, calling on Him throughout the day and remembering Him when we lay down to sleep.
“Jesus Cares For You” is the theme for 2010. On the cross He expressed His ultimate self-giving love. In His death, He identifies with our humanity. He walked through the valley of the shadow of death for you and me. Now, you and I “dwell in the shadow of His wings,” forever and ever. Amen.
A beautiful hymn that expresses this is “On Eagles’ Wings” LSB #727.
You who dwell in the shelter of the Lord, Who abide in His shadow for life,
Say to the Lord: “My refuge, My rock in whom I trust!”
And He will raise you up on eagles’ wings, Bear you on the breath of dawn,
Make you to shine like the sun, And hold you in the palm of His hand.
The snare of the fowler will never capture you, And famine will bring you no fear;
Under His wings your refuge, His faithfulness your shield.
You need not fear the terror of the night, Nor the arrow that flies by day;
Though thousands fall about you, Near you it shall not come.
For to His angels He’s given a command / To guard you in all of your ways;
Upon their hands they will bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone.
Jesus Cares For You,
Pastor
