Wednesday, 11 December 2024

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. – Psalm 91:1

Today's Scripture Reading (December 11, 2024): Psalm 91

The safest place to be is in the center of God's will. I have heard that assertion by well-meaning Christians, but have you ever wondered if that is true? It doesn't seem to be.

Consider Jesus's disciples, and maybe especially how they died. Only one, John, died of old age, and even he was at one time boiled in oil and left to rot on the Island of Patmos. These things just didn't kill him. So, he alone dies of relatively natural causes in his old age. The rest died violently.

Judas Iscariot committed suicide. 

        James, John's brother, was beheaded.

        Peter was crucified upside down.

        Andrew was crucified on an X-shaped cross.

        Bartholomew was beaten and then crucified.

        Philip was crucified.

        Thomas was speared to death.

        Simon, the Zealot, was crucified.

        James was stoned.

        Thaddaeus was stoned.

        Matthew was axed to death.

        Mathias, the replacement for Judas Iscariot, was also stoned. 

        Paul was beheaded.

I guess none of these men were at the center of the will of God (sarcasm is intended). It isn't any different today. There are still people being martyred for their faith, even in our supposedly enlightened age. If safety means living and dying after a peaceful existence on the earth, the center of God's will is not a safe place to be. 

And it never has been. The list of prophets who were executed in the Hebrew Bible is long. Yet, Moses makes this statement. Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty (Psalm 91:1). To me, it sounds a lot like "The safest place to be is in the center of God's will." Some experts seem to come to the same conclusion, but I think they are unintentionally misled. Following the will of God will make you dangerous on this earth. You will share the traits of many of the disciples and prophets who died violent deaths. But the possible discomfort produced by following God is offset by the difference you will make, the peace you will have with your decisions, and an eternity spent with him. It is a promise that when this life is over, we will rest with him. 

Tomorrow's Scripture Reading: Leviticus 1


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