Shadows of the Almighty (Part: 1)

"He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty."

(Psalm 91: 1, JND) 

 

There is no safer place to dwell under for care and protection, than the Shadow of the Almighty. Oh, what surety and promises can be drawn from the beautiful truths of this lovely Psalm. God knows! There are four differing aspects found in the Scriptures concerning the word "Shadow" in our text above. All four describes some aspect of our precious Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Let us look at them together. 

1. The SHADOW of a GREAT ROCK. 

The Refreshing Shadow of His Presence: "As the shadow of a great rock in a weary land" (Isa. 32: 2, NKJV). Three truths this "great rock" is: (1.) It is a shelter from the storm (Judgment); (2.) It is a hiding place from the hostile howling wind (God's wrath). How fitting are the words in Colossians 3: 3 "...your life is hid with the Christ in God." (JND); (3.) Last of all, it is a Man. And this Man is none other than the Lord Jesus Christ! (See Psalm 46: 1-3; John 3: 36). Who better to flee to for refuge than Christ? As in our text fragment above, sometimes Christ is typified in the Scriptures as a "Rock" (See 1 Cor. 10: 4). Now how does a rock refresh an individual? The answer to that can be found in what characterizes a rock. The fact that the verse says "great rock," this would give us a mental picture of a huge rock with a dwelling place, a cleft or cave where one could take shelter from a fierce storm and rest for awhile. A large enough rock could also provide a refreshing shade from the scorching heat of the day. Such massive rocks are not easily moved. This would speak to us of a foundation. Still, there is a much greater foundational Rock. "For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ" (1 Cor. 3: 11, NKJV). This greater Rock can also refresh by giving life sustaining water. (See Ex. 17: 1-7; Num. 20: 1-13; 1 Cor. 10: 4). No wonder the Psalmist David could write "Be my rock of refuge, a fortress of defense to save me" (Psalm 31: 2, NKJV). Yes, David was confident in this "Great Rock" (Isa. 32: 2). Augustus M. Toplady, a famous hymn writer shares David's confidence, when he wrote these exquisite words on a stormy day in 1775: 

Rock of ages, cleft for me,

Let me hide myself in thee;

Let the water and the blood,

From Thy wounded side which flowed,

Be of sin the double cure,

Save from wrath and make me pure. 

2. The SHADOW of the WINGS of a GREAT EAGLE. 

The Protecting Shadow of His Presence: "He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you shall take refuge..." (Psalm 91: 4, NKJV). Truly, what better place to take "refuge" then under the "Shadow of His wings." Oh, what comfort a child of God can find under the protecting wings of that Majestic Bird, which typifies Christ. Two truths can be drawn from the mighty "wings" of this "Great Eagle." 

(1.) God's creation of this majestic eagle in its natural habitat would teach us that the same "Shadow" that comes from the wings of the eagle, both brings comfort and protection to the young eaglets on the cliff's ledge, yet, brings panic and terror to the small animals on the ground (see Deut. 32: 11-12).  

(2.) Now above the eagle's "wings" there is no shadow, only the open heavens and the Son! Again, nature would teach us that when it is time for the young eagles to leave their nest, the parent eagle would sustain or hold up the little eagles as they learn to fly. The Scriptures illustrate this truth beautifully: "You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles' wings and brought you to myself" (Ex. 19: 4, NKJV). What a lovely image this is of our beloved Lord Jesus Christ, and what He is to the Christian in relationship. 

So number one gives us our relationship to God under His wings. Number two gives us our relationship to God above His wings. Truly, His "wings" possess the power to both save and sustain. Oh, what wonderful assurance the Psalmist gives to those who abide under His majestic wings, they can be confident with the Psalmist..."Because You have been my help, therefore in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice" (Psalm 63: 7, NKJV).