January 5
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PSALM 91-PROMISE TO THOSE WHO MAKE THE LORD THEIR DWELLING PLACE
A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.8 You will only look with your eyes and see the recompense of the wicked.
9 Because you have made the LORD your dwelling place—the Most High, who is my refuge—10 no evil shall be allowed to befall you, no plague come near your tent.
– Psalm 91:7-10
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The following verses reminds me of the picture of the Israelites crossing the Red Sea. I remember watching the movie “Ten Commandments” starring Charleton Heston and Yul Bryner. It was so dramatic, the clouds was so dark gray and the as soon as the sea was parted and the Israelites were crossing, they were singing worship and praising the Lord as they were crossing the parted sea. Kodak Film only started producing colored movies in the 1950s and this was one of the first movies filmed so magnificently. The effects of the clouds and the sea was so amazing that I can clearly remember how awed I was with the Almighty God who ensured that his people were protected. Verse 8 says that no matter how much obstacles and suffering and attacks of the enemy come your way, it will not come near a point of crushing you. It may feel like it sometimes, but God is faithful to his character and promises. He will be our protector and defender.
Matthew Henry comments on verse 9 on “see the recompense of the wicked” as : people shall see, not only God’s promises fulfilled, but his threatenings: “ Then let sinners come unto the Lord upon his mercy-seat, through the Redeemer’s name; and encourage others to trust in him also.”
Verses 9-10 reminds those who have chosen to make God their sanctuary and their protection that nothing will harm them, which parallels Luke 10:9 verse which says “Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you.” Sadly, many of us Christians fail to remember and stand on this promise.
It is such a gift to find a YouTube video of that 1956 movie Ten Commandments of the parting of the Red Sea. It is spectacular to watch God’s power and might and His unfailing protection to all his people and how He manifests his love for all those who are enslaved.
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REFLECTION
• How can we constantly remind ourselves of the power and love of our Lord God Almighty?