The relationship between God and mankind is illustrated in many ways throughout the pages of the Bible. Let us key-in on the illustration of God spreading His wings over a creation He dearly loves. There are a few words we will consider guiding our thoughts in this idea. There are comfort, guidance, protection, and safety. After the exodus from Egyptian bondage, God calls Moses to the top of Mount Siani (Exodus 19:3) and instructs Moses to relay His message to the people in verse 4: “You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to Myself." With God’s guidance, the people
left Egypt and were led to the promised land. In return, God required the allegiance and obedience of the people (Exodus 19:5-8). Jesus provides guidance for Christians today. I recall the words of Jesus from John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life no man cometh to the Father but by me." The inspired Word of God also provides us with guidance, (Psalm 119:105; 25:1-10; 86:11; 27:11; 119:12). Moving on, through Scripture, we find David asking for the protection of God from his enemies, by keeping himself in the “shadow of thy wings” (Psalm 17:8; 57:1; 61:4; 63:7). David was able to find the protection he needed, through God’s watching over him. In turn, we can have protection in our lives by using the Gospel.
Consider how we are called to Jesus: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:28-29). Jesus calls us to safety, from a world that is lost in sin and decaying from the influence of Satan. The wise man Solomon would write, in Proverbs 29:25, “The fear of man bringeth a snare: buy whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe." There is a song in some of our songbooks that is well-suited for our discussion, titled “Under His Wings”. I
would like to share the words written by William O. Cushing:
Under His Wings
Under His wings I am safely abiding.
Tho’ the night deepens, and tempests are wild.
Still I can trust Him: I know He will keep me.
He has redeemed me, and I am His child.
(Chorus)
Under His wings, under his wings,
Who from His love can sever?
Under His wings my soul shall abide,
Safely abide forever.
Under His wings, what a refuge in sorrow!
How to heart yearning turns to His rest!
Often when earth has no balm for my healing,
There I find comfort, and there I am blest.
(Chorus)
Under His wings, oh, what precious enjoyment!
There will I hide till life’s trails are o’er.
Sheltered, protected, no evil can harm me.
Resting in Jesus, I’m safe evermore.
Comments