Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. 6 This poor man called, and the Lord heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles. 7 The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them. (Psalm 34:5-7 NIV).
We looked at verse 5 in yesterday’s thought. When we call on Jesus not only are all things possible, but there is a radiant confidence that shows! “Their faces are never covered with shame.” The Bible says, “See, I lay in Zion a stone that causes men to stumble and a rock that makes them fall, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame.” (Romans 9:33 NIV).
Do not misunderstand what I am saying. In this life there are setbacks and disappointments. But never forget that we were not made for this life! We were made for eternity! The Christian never has to hang his or her head in shame (if they are living an obedient life), because ultimately the believer has the promise of God that our faith and faithfulness will one day be rewarded!
Next promise: “This poor man called, and the Lord heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles.” God always hears the cries of His faithful. Please note those last two words. The Bible reminds us, “Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear. 2 But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear.” (Isaiah 59:1-2 NIV).
There is an appalling tendency today among those who claim to be believers to live self-centered lives that reflect the patterns of this world rather than the pattern Christ set for us. We live sinful lives and wonder why “God didn’t answer my prayers.” To pray in Jesus’ Name is not some magical mantra that procures our every want. To pray in Jesus’ Name means we pray with the authority of heaven behind us. I like what Adrian Rodgers has said regarding this: “Prayer that God answers is prayer that begins in Heaven; we just complete the circuit!”
Finally there is the marvelous promise, “The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.” Now of course if we only understand this verse in light of this life we have to conclude that this promise has failed miserably. Look at the millions of martyrs down through the centuries. Where was the angel of the Lord then? I’ll tell you where: He was right there beside them!
As marvelous as the promise of verse 7 is, we miss its impact if we don’t know some basic rules of Biblical interpretation. Whenever you see the phrase, “The angel of the Lord” (with the term Lord in small caps) you can be certain that this is a reference not to any angel but the pre-incarnate second person of the Trinity–The Lord Jesus Christ! Jesus Himself guards those who love Him! What an awesome thought! He guards you carefully today. Hear his promise, 40 For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.” (John 6:40 NIV). 27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. 30 I and the Father are one.”(John 10:27-30 NIV). It is He who guards you.
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