Surrounded By God

"Today's Devotion" For May 9, 2006

Read: Psalm 125; John 17:9-12

SURROUNDED BY GOD

"As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds His people both now and forevermore." (Psalm 125:2)

One of the most important areas of concern on a football team is the offensive line. They're the guys who protect one of the most essential members of a football team - the quarterback. We hear about that need a lot when it comes to professional football, and it's been a major topic of discussion for fans of the Green Bay Packers as we all hope the current line can provide the protection Brett Favre needs at quarterback in order for the team to be successful, win a lot of games, and have a chance at the playoffs (I'm not even going t dream of a Super Bowl). Ultimately, the key to any defensive line is to protect the quarterback from the defensive rush and to open holes for the running back to move the ball forward. It's protection to keep "marauders" out, not one's own teammates from moving forward, beyond that protection and, ultimately, to the goal line - and a touchdown.

When it comes to living as God's people in the world, the quality of our "offensive line" is also critical. The power of Sin in the world and the temptations it brings into our lives, attacks our relationship with God and seeks to keep us from Him. The power of the "defensive line" of the world is great, emboldened and empowered by Sin and every evil, prompted by the wiles of Satan, always seeking to keep us from the "goal line" and the ultimate "touchdown" - heaven and eternity with our Father in heaven.

Our heavenly Father knows better than any Vince Lombardi, Curly Lambeau, Mike Holmgren, or any other of the many football coaching greats, how important our spiritual "offensive line" is to us. The power of God's Word and Spirit surrounds us with His forgiveness and love which sustains us and leads us toward the goal. By faith in Jesus as our Lord and Savior from Sin, we know we are forgiven and nothing can separate us from His love. He sends His holy angels to watch over us and keep us in the "paths of righteousness" as we live our lives in service to Him. We are called to the Gospel and God's forgiveness in Christ, not to stand behind that "offensive line" and just be protected, but to use that "protection" to boldly go on the attack, sharing the Good News of redemption from Sin, Death, and Satan by faith in Jesus Christ. Through the blessings of the Word and the Sacraments - Holy Baptism and the Lord's Supper - in which God touches us with His very presence, we are empowered and equipped to reach the "goal line" of heaven, and to lead other people there as well.

The Psalmist rejoices in Psalm 125 that God protects His people from the evil of sin in the world. He rejoices that God makes "Jerusalem," the "City of God," a place of refuge and safety from the world's dangers. He give thanks that God's love for His people is so great that He surrounds them with His grace, mercy, and forgiveness for all times. We, too, rejoice with the Psalmist that God has surrounded us with His love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness through which He protects us from the wiles of Satan and leads us in acts of service to others in His name. As forgiven sinners we rejoice in that "protection" with which God surrounds us and we live boldly for Him in Jesus. And so, today, as always, we give thanks with the Psalmist that we are "surrounded by God."

Prayer: Father, I thank You that You don't allow me to "stand on my own" in the face of the spiritual onslaughts of Sin, Satan, and the World. I realize that if these things had their way I would be forever separated from You and Your love for me and heaven and eternal life with You, as a forgiven sinner, would be impossible. Father, it's really easy for me to hide behind the walls of protection You have placed around me. I'd rather not see them as a place of refuge and safety, but a place to bury my head in the sand. Forgive me of such myopic vision and help me to appreciate that You surround me with Your Word and Spirit so I can "catch my breath" and "get my bearings" for my next foray as Your witness into the world. Send me a double portion of Your Spirit that I may be a faithful and true witness for Jesus so that others might also know Your love, forgiveness, and protection - knowing they are "surrounded by God" in Jesus. Hear me gracious Father for Jesus' sake. Amen.
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--Pastor Boeck

Copyright © 2006 The Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.