Psalm 17:1-8
"...I spread the corner of my garment over you and covered you...and you became mine."
(EZEKIEL 16:8)
"Show the wonder of your great love, you who save by your right hand those who take refuge in you..."
(Psalm 17:7)
In the Lord of the Rings, Sam and Frodo hide under an elvish cloak whose magical qualities protect them. Under it they cannot even be seen by their enemy! The Bible speaks of a man spreading his cloak over his wife as he takes her in marriage and protects her. A Christian husband protects his wife not only by investigating strange noises in the night. He also watches over her physical and spiritual state daily; he works to provide a salary; he slows her down when she is overworked or urges her on when she lacks confidence. He insists that the children respect and obey her. He listens to her, anticipates her needs and protects and guards her reputation.
These qualities are mere human reflections of the protection Jesus provides for us. We have a cloak far more powerful than the elvish cloak. Our heavenly Husband has taken us under His cloak of protection and blessing. Though the devil prowls, seeking to devour, he has no power to drag us out from the protection of Jesus' mantle of righteousness.
INSIGHT
"KEEP ME AS THE APPLE OF YOUR EYE; HIDE ME IN THE SHADOW OF YOUR WINGS."
(PSALM 17:8)
READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
Ezekiel 15-16
Psalm 138
Philippians 1-2
Psalm 17:1-8
New International Version (NIV)
Psalm 17
A prayer of David.
1 Hear me, Lord, my plea is just;
listen to my cry.
Hear my prayer—
it does not rise from deceitful lips.
2 Let my vindication come from you;
may your eyes see what is right.
3 Though you probe my heart,
though you examine me at night and test me,
you will find that I have planned no evil;
my mouth has not transgressed.
4 Though people tried to bribe me,
I have kept myself from the ways of the violent
through what your lips have commanded.
5 My steps have held to your paths;
my feet have not stumbled.
6 I call on you, my God, for you will answer me;
turn your ear to me and hear my prayer.
7 Show me the wonders of your great love,
you who save by your right hand
those who take refuge in you from their foes.
8 Keep me as the apple of your eye;
hide me in the shadow of your wings
HOPE FOR YOUR PRODIGAL
with Barbara Juliani
Have you tried to bring a prodigal child or friend back to faith? In your own strength, it may seem impossible. But don't be discouraged because God is in the business of leading prodigals home.
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