Jesus Does Not Slumber Or Sleep, But Is Your Defender?
Sunday, October 6
Psalm 121:1-8 (ESV)
“I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth. He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD is your keeper; the LORD is your shade on your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. The LORD will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore.”
Devotion
Like Psalm 23 (the LORD is my shepherd ...), Psalm 121 contains promises so appealing that everyone who believes in the Creator is eager to claim them. Strictly speaking, a look at the text reveals that these promises apply directly only to the nation and people of Israel. Whether and how those outside of Israel can claim these promises depends on being grafted in through Jesus (Romans 11). If you are not grafted in and abiding in Jesus as the true vine (John 15) your confidence in sharing in Israel's promises is misplaced.
Fear not. Even if your sins separate you from God, he says, “Come now, let us reason together, though your sins be like scarlet they shall be as white as snow; though your sins are as crimson, they shall be as wool.” (Isaiah 1) But now, let us not concern ourselves only for our own defense or protection, but let us pray for Israel's defense, victory, and salvation.
Today’s Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
I thank You that through Jesus I can share in Israel's spiritual blessings and be grafted in. Lord God, I lament to hear that the nation and people You and I love are under such attack from enemies on every side. But I thank You for the rebirth of Israel and for their recent victories. O Lord, I thank You that You watch over Israel without slumber or sleep. Keep Israel from evil, I pray. Strike down all the missiles and bullets and enemies directed against Israel. And let Israel know that it is not just their Old Testament God giving them victory, let them know it is Jesus, their Creator, their God, and their Messiah. Bring them to repentance and trust in Jesus as You promise in Romans 11. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
Apply It Today
This week, pray for the peace of Jerusalem and the salvation of the Jewish people. Especially, pray that the veil would be removed that clouds their ability to see that Jesus is Messiah (2 Corinthians 3:15-16). And, give thanks and praise to God for His protection and faithfulness.
Resources:
- Watch this message, “Israel In Prophecy”, and pray for the nation of Israel from a place of understanding.
- Partner with us as we stand with Israel through our various international outreach initiatives - Supporting Israel