Last night we met at Christ Church in the Old City, the oldest protestant church in the Middle East. It was a refreshing time of worship through song and the study of God's Word. It was wonderful to "come away" into the LORD's presence for a sweet time of fellowship.
While expounding on the first dozen verses of Hebrews 11, the speaker talked of the ark Noah built as a picture of the safe place we have in Jesus. The rain fell and the waves billowed, yet those who sought refuge in the ark were saved from destruction. He also mentioned the house of Rehab the harlot in Jericho as a safe place. It was a city doomed for a great fall, but after she obediently hung a scarlet cord in the window all who took refuge in her home would be saved. Cities of refuge were also spread throughout Israel, places where those who were guilty of manslaughter could face a fair trial before the priests and the congregation.
There is one safe place (albeit quite ironic!) which came to mind which wasn't directly spoken of during the sermon. When the ship transporting Paul and other prisoners was driven by a great storm, God divinely revealed to Paul all the people who remained on the ship would be saved - though it would run aground on a certain island. This is exactly what the sailors feared. No one wanted to run aground and be at the mercy of strong winds and battering waves. A moment came when some of the sailors secretly planned to escape the ship using a lifeboat. Acts 27:31-32 says, "Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, "Unless these men stay in the ship, you cannot be saved." 32 Then the soldiers cut away the ropes of the skiff and let it fall off."
Now a sinking ship is a very unlikely location to be deemed a "safe place." But because God had promised He would save alive all the people who remained on the ship, it was the safest place to be! The way to eternal glory for Jesus was through being crucified on a cross, and Jesus says those who lose their lives for His sake with find Him. He is the safe place where we find eternal life and rest for our souls. He is able to uphold and help us every step of this earthly pilgrimage. 1 Peter 1:3-5 reads, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time."
Whether you find yourself in green pastures beside still waters or tempest tossed by contrary winds, in Jesus you are in the safe place. We can rest in Him, abiding in the shadow of His wings. The first part of Deuteronomy 33:27 says, "The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms..." We are called to trust and He will keep us by His power.
While expounding on the first dozen verses of Hebrews 11, the speaker talked of the ark Noah built as a picture of the safe place we have in Jesus. The rain fell and the waves billowed, yet those who sought refuge in the ark were saved from destruction. He also mentioned the house of Rehab the harlot in Jericho as a safe place. It was a city doomed for a great fall, but after she obediently hung a scarlet cord in the window all who took refuge in her home would be saved. Cities of refuge were also spread throughout Israel, places where those who were guilty of manslaughter could face a fair trial before the priests and the congregation.
There is one safe place (albeit quite ironic!) which came to mind which wasn't directly spoken of during the sermon. When the ship transporting Paul and other prisoners was driven by a great storm, God divinely revealed to Paul all the people who remained on the ship would be saved - though it would run aground on a certain island. This is exactly what the sailors feared. No one wanted to run aground and be at the mercy of strong winds and battering waves. A moment came when some of the sailors secretly planned to escape the ship using a lifeboat. Acts 27:31-32 says, "Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, "Unless these men stay in the ship, you cannot be saved." 32 Then the soldiers cut away the ropes of the skiff and let it fall off."
Now a sinking ship is a very unlikely location to be deemed a "safe place." But because God had promised He would save alive all the people who remained on the ship, it was the safest place to be! The way to eternal glory for Jesus was through being crucified on a cross, and Jesus says those who lose their lives for His sake with find Him. He is the safe place where we find eternal life and rest for our souls. He is able to uphold and help us every step of this earthly pilgrimage. 1 Peter 1:3-5 reads, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time."
Whether you find yourself in green pastures beside still waters or tempest tossed by contrary winds, in Jesus you are in the safe place. We can rest in Him, abiding in the shadow of His wings. The first part of Deuteronomy 33:27 says, "The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms..." We are called to trust and He will keep us by His power.
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