Suggested Readings: Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16, Romans 10:8b-13, Luke 4:1-13
Today’s readings focus on the primary theme of God’s salvation. In Deuteronomy, the Israelites are commanded by God to recognize his deliverance, both in sacrifice of material wealth and in ceremonial remembrance. The psalmist rejoices in God’s protection from evil and plague. Luke’s recounting of Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness demonstrates how God moves near in times of temptation.
In these examples, we should be careful to note that God’s protection does not come without responsibility for our response to His calling. The Israelites were expected to respond with obedience to the specific directives of tithing and ritual. According to the psalm, God protects those who ‘dwells in the shelter of the Most High’; in other words, to live in submission to God’s holiness. And Jesus provides us the foundation for protection from temptation – dependence on, and use of, God’s word for deliverance and guarding of one’s heart.
Finally, the Apostle Paul reminds us in Romans of the ultimate act of belief that leads to our complete salvation and justification. Through humble acts of confession, repentance, and submission, God’s all-sufficient grace – provided through the death on the cross, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ – will provide the final place of rest in His presence for eternity.
O God, our help in ages past,
our hope for years to come,
our shelter from the stormy blast
and our eternal home.
Under the shadow of Thy throne
Thy saints have dwelt secure;
sufficient is Thine arm alone
and our defense is sure.
O God, our help in ages past,
our hope for years to come,
be Thou our guard while life shall last,
and our eternal home.
-Isaac Watts
From the hymn “Our God, our help in ages past” (1719)
Jeremy Lane
