Romans 15:14-33
1 Samuel 29-31
Psalm 71
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Thoughts and Commentary on Today's Reading:
In Psalm 71 we read about the wonderful power and all-encompassing protection of God over His people:Psalm 71-1-5 "In Thee, O Yahweh, do I put my trust: let me never be put to confusion. Deliver me in Thy righteousness, and cause me to escape: incline Thine Ear unto me, and save me. Be Thou my strong Habitation, whereunto I may continually resort: Thou hast given commandment to save me; for Thou art my rock and my fortress. Deliver me, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked, out of the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man. For Thou art my hope, O Yahweh God: Thou art my trust from my youth."Reading this passage at first makes some Christians' experience unexplainable. For example, consider the amazing story of Jim Elliot, Nate Saint, and the other three dedicated missionaries who were martyred by the Indians of Ecuador. Where was Almighty God's protection when the savage natives speared His faithful missionaries to death?
Amazingly, God's protection was with them - even in allowing them to die! Job once said, "Tho He slay me, yet will I trust in Him," (Job 13:15). What is it about God, His Goodness, and His unfailing Protection that caused Job to say this? Clearly, this is the key that also inspired the five missionaries to Ecuador to willingly lay down their lives.
The reason these people could trust God so much, even to the point of death, was that they knew that He would only allow something to come to them, if He deemed it good (Romans 8:28)! Precious in the Sight of Yahweh is the life and death of His saints (Psalm 116:15). God does not lightly allow His children to die. But, when He knows that their death will bring about good - salvation - to another, then and only then can his people be martyred.
This is why Job trusted in God completely. This is why Jim Elliot, Nate Saint and their fellow martyred missionaries trusted in God completely. And this is why the wives, families and children of those martyred men were able to return and touch the lives of the very ones who had murdered the missionaries. As you watch the above videos about them, you will see the Hand of God - and yes, even His Protecting power in the whole story. God never withdrew His protection from His people - He extended His protection over the heathens also. And as a result, all of them - former heather murderers and martyred missionaries - will enjoy Eternity together.
How much do you trust God? Do you trust Him with your life? If so, lay your plans at His Feet and seek His Will in all things. Do you trust Him with your death? If so, do not be afraid of whatever may come. Rather, "trust in God" for He is so very trustworthy!
