Psalm 91

“In Him, we live and move and have our being.” That is true of everyone, even for those who do not acknowledge the Lord as God. But some have called upon His Name, and are eager to receive His promises. They “dwell in the shelter of the Most High,” and they will live a fruitful life, abiding in the One who said, “I am the Vine; you are the branches,”

God is able to protect us from enemies seen and unseen. We can trust Him even in a day when it seems like all is lost. He is the God of eternity.

“No plague shall come near your tent.” But you must remember that you are passing through a dying world, and for some it has been granted not only to believe in His Name, but also to suffer for His sake. But even if you die in this fleeting world, you will go to be with Him in a world where you shall never die. That's the deal. And then one day you and all of the heavenly host will come down upon the earth, and the Most High God will renew all things. This is the hope that millions have embraced; and in that hope they are able to face the present affliction with the grace that God supplies.

Some reject this vision of present suffering with grace, and future grace without suffering. Their captain is an adversary who quoted this psalm to see if Jesus might be among their number.

He was not. Jesus resisted the temptation of Satan.

Then the devil took him to the holy city and set him on the pinnacle of the temple and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written, "'He will command his angels concerning you,' and "'On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.'" Jesus said to him, "Again it is written, 'You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.'"

With those simple words, our Lord led the way for all who would take their refuge in the true Suffering Servant. Satan had not dared to quote these words from the very next verse: “The serpent you will trample underfoot.”

When you step on the head of a deadly serpent, it may bite your heel. See Genesis 3:15. The plan of the ages was being accomplished through the love of the cross. The sins of His people came upon Him in His death, and the plague of death and hell upon us was averted.

But more was accomplished there than the avoidance of hell. A pattern of life for the gospel era was established in the power of the cross, and the promise of a world beyond death and sin was secured for us.

The Son of God held fast to the Father in love through the worst trial. He finished well.

But His finish on earth was not the end. The Lord answered His Son who died for us and gave Him resurrection life. God has honored Him and given Him the Name that is above every Name. We worship God now through Jesus Christ our Lord. We take refuge under the shadow of His wings.