Having God’s protection is a blessing and shows His great love for us. I remember being in a car accident when I was broadsided at 70 mph but received only a minor scratch. The State Police Officer at the scene told me most people never survive such an impact. I was fortunate. It was not luck but God’s heavenly protection that saved me.
God protects us physically and spiritually throughout our lives, even when we don’t realize it. Psalm 46:1God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. [1] Paul gives us more insight into our spiritual protection. 2 Thessalonians 3:3 But the Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one.[2]
Jesus Was Protected
As Jesus began His ministry, He read from the scroll of Isaiah in His hometown of Nazareth. This part of Scripture was a prophecy of what the Messiah would do when He came. The people in the synagogue were pleased with how Jesus read God’s Word until He added a comment. Luke 4:21 “The Scripture you’ve just heard has been fulfilled this very day!” [3]
People could not believe that Jesus had said such a thing because He was just Joseph’s son. They were too familiar with Him.
Then Jesus told them that prophets were not welcome in their hometown, and even the prophet Elijah ministered to a Gentile widow in Sidon. Luke 4:28 When they heard this, the people in the synagogue were furious. 29 Jumping up, they mobbed him and forced him to the edge of the hill on which the town was built. They intended to push him over the cliff, 30 , but he passed right through the crowd and went on his way. [4] Jesus’ message often offended and angered the religious leaders. The Heavenly Father protected Jesus here and through His ministry until the right time for His death.
God’s Umbrella
Psalm 23:5 You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies.[5] I love this image as it paints a picture of a believer at a feast prepared by God while being untouchable to the enemy. It is also essential to understand that we can leave God’s protection, like stepping away from an umbrella. An umbrella does not do any good if we are not under it.
If the Israelites had left their homes when the angel of death passed over, they would have left God’s protection. God protected Noah because he entered the ark. Today, we need to come under the umbrella of Jesus. Our faith in Jesus gives us salvation, but we can disobey the Lord and walk into physical and spiritual danger. We play with fire when we resist the guidance of the Holy Spirit. But when we surrender to the Lord’s will and guidance, we are under His heavenly protection.
To learn about having God’s protection, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/rejected-at-nazareth
[1-5] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.