"He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide
under the shadow of the Almighty."
(Psalm 91: 1, JND)
Yesterday we looked at the "Shadow" in relation to a "Great Rock" and a "Great Eagle." Today we are going to look at the last two "Shadows" in relation to a "Great Hand" and "Great Delight." Now let's see what encouragment we can draw from these points below.
3. The SHADOW
of my HAND.
The Securing Shadow
of His Presence: "I have covered
you with the shadow of My hand,..." (Isa. 51: 16, NKJV). What security can be found for the child of
God under the "shadow" of His mighty "hand." Here we have
in part, the New Testament truth of Eternal
Security. How comforting to know-"No
one can restrain His hand..." (Dan. 4: 35, NKJV). Just listen to how
beautifully the Lord's words reassures us of the truth of our Security in Him: "And I give them eternal life, and they
shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them
to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father's hand" (John 10:
28-29, NKJV). You see, not only are we secure in His hand, but we shall
"never perish" either! What encouraging certainty this should bring
to a discouraged believer's heart! Romans 8 : 31
The "shadow" of God's "hand" relates in
two specific ways: (1.) To the unsaved person, it speaks of judgment to come. (2.) But to the saved
person, it speaks of abundant joy to
come." (See also Isa. 49: 16, "God doesn't forget!").
4. The SHADOW
of a DELIGHTFUL
FRUIT TREE.
The Satisfying Shadow
of His Presence: "As the apple
tree among the trees of the wood, so is my beloved among the sons. I sat down
under his shadow with great delight, and his fruit was sweet to my taste" (Song
of Solomon 2: 3, KJV). This text above is a very lovely picture of what Christ
is to the Church [believers, His bride]; both collectively and individually. "The eyes of all look expectantly to
You, and You give them their food in due season. You open your hand and satisfy the desire of every living
thing" (Psalm 145: 15-16, NKJV). Truly, God is more than able to
supply the needs for both plants and animals. How much more is He willing to
abundantly provide for the needs of His beloved children. Again, the psalmist
says... "For He satisfies the longing soul, and fills the hungry soul with
goodness" (Psalm 107: 9). How encouraging are the words of our beloved
Lord Jesus Christ in Matthew
5 : 6
Now notice for a moment, that an apple tree is not only good
for food to the weary traveler along life's way. It is also good for shade
against the sweltering heat of the day. The apple tree carries a twofold truth:
(1.) "Its
Fruit" - Provision; (2.) "Its Shadow" - Protection.
Is not Christ all that and more? Yeah, He is much more! Consider these
magnificent words of David: "Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good;
blessed is the man who trusts in Him!" (Psalm 34: 8, NKJV).
Why be so filled with worry?
Why are we so filled with doubt?
Cast all your anxieties on Him;
Rest in Christ, while He fights your bout!
For the Christian, all these four precious promises that
involves the word "Shadow," speaks to us of the certainty of His
divine presence. Each one of these points has weight. For each one is Eternal in content. Now the four
"Aspects" addressed in this devotional study, can be summed up in the
Outline below in closing.
1. Isaiah
32 : 2
2. Deuteronomy
32 : 11
3. Isaiah
51 : 16
4. Song of Solomon 2: 3: "Great
Delight" - Eternal
Satisfaction!
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