“He who sits on the throne will shelter them with His presence.” (Rev. 7:15)

The old sinner in us doesn’t always like the term “shelter.”  Are we so weak that we need someone to shelter us?  Didn’t we cut the apron strings?  Shouldn’t Christians, in particular, be more questing, advocates in the public square for what is good and right and true?  Away with this mild Lord of shelter! (says the old, proud sinner . . . .)

And then 26 believers end up dead in a pool of blood as babies scream, mothers weep, and a nation goes on fighting.  Sudden illness cuts down beloved friends and family.  Opportunists prey on the young and deceive the poor, and an entertainment industry peddles vile myths to corrupt the soul.  Even churches quake with heresy, pressing the faithful into doubt, frustration, and a love of division.  

Come, O Shelter of the faithful!  What strength it takes to shelter others: resolve, compassion, and the willingness to go and seek the lost.  It takes a Man who would even bear a cross to overcome the power of death.  This Man is God, our Lord Jesus Christ, who knows you by name; whose love for you is stronger than death; and who will bring you, with great joy, to the throne that He shares eternally with His Father.  Have no fear, little flock!

LET US PRAY:  Protect, defend, and deliver us from evil, good Shepherd of the sheep.  By Your two-edged sword, that living word, silence the ancient enemy, curb all evil designs, bring us to repentance, and preserve Your Church in perfect peace until the day of Your appearing; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever.  Amen

Pastor Steven K. Gjerde

Zion, Wausau

“As sheep they are appointed for Sheol; death shall be their shepherd; and the upright shall rule over them in the morning, and their form shall be for Sheol to consume so that they have no habitation.  But God will redeem my soul from the power of Sheol, for He will receive me.”  (Psalm 49:14-15)

Sheol is death.  It awaits us all.  No one has left the life alive.  God did not exempt Himself from this, for Christ dies, even on the cross.  But what is promised is that we shall be redeemed from Sheol through grace by faith.  Those who are united with Christ are untied with a death like His in order to have a resurrection like His.  You are not ruled by death, but by the author of life.

Lord, I want what I see as the good things of this world.  I desire what I see those around me have.  I am not content with where I am, but want to go where I am not.  Loose me from this bondage to seek You in and through all things that I may live life in preparation for what You have intended from the beginning.  Guide me O Lord according to Your ways that I would walk in them.

Lord Jesus, You have come to lead us away from the futility of this world in order to live according to the eternal purpose the Father established from the beginning.  Guide me O Lord in Your will that I may walk with You all the days of my life.  Help me see that only in You will I be established forever that death would have no hold on me.  Though I die, yet shall I live in You.  Amen.

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