Friday, April 19, 2013

THE ROCK OF MY SALVATION

Suggested Reading: 2 Samuel 22

Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).

 

The fortress of Masada stands high above the Jordan Valley floor. It was here that Herod built his highly protected palace to which he could escape. Later it was used by Jewish freedom fighters who, for a couple of years, resisted a Roman siege. It was in this area where David hid from those who sought to destroy him. He may have had this scene in mind as he sang, "The Lord is my Rock."

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

 

Key Verse: 2 Samuel 22:2

And he said: “The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer…”

The words of today’s reading take on much more significance because of the previous chapters in the life of King David and those around him. David has lived a perilous life. He has fled from King Saul and from his own son, Absalom. From his years as a shepherd boy, protecting his sheep from the lion and the bear, to the rebellions which could have taken his life, David knew very well that he needed a hiding place in a time of crisis. David had hidden in the cleft of a rock. He had known the protection of a fortress. Now, as he composes and sings these Psalms, he is not at all confused as to how he has been saved each time. He recognized that he was never protected by a physical rock or a fortress made of stone alone. He confesses that his true Deliverer in every case was the Lord God. We learn here that God is our Protector, our strength and our future.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord Jesus, I run into Your loving arms. You are my Rock, my Fortress, and my Deliverer. Keep me, I pray, from foolish human pride which would make me think, even for a moment, that I can go it alone. In Your strong Name, Jesus, I ask for Your grace 24/7, Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

David burst into song when he realized all God had done for him. I’ve done the same just now. As I sing, “Rock of Ages, cleft for me. Let me hide myself in Thee,” I think of my dear friend, George Beverly Shea, who earlier this week, at the age of 104, went into the immediate presence of his Rock, his Fortress and his Deliverer, the Lord Jesus. George, or Bev, as he became known, was raised in Canada’s capital region and was a graduate of Annesley College in Ottawa, where my parents served. As Billy Graham’s soloist, he has probably sung to more people in person than any one else (click here to hear him sing about “The Solid Rock”). I can never read 2 Samuel 22 without also singing a children’s song, the words taken from this Scripture, and the music composed by my son-in-law, Bruce Stacey. My great-grandchildren began singing this when they were two years old (click here for the God Rocks team singing “The Lord is my Rock”).

Yours, singing for joy at the knowledge that “He is my Rock,”

David

P.S. You can see a one-hour special Saturday night on CTS TV at 9 p.m. It’s a documentary on George Beverly Shea. I had the honour of being the narrator for the show. Up until last year, George watched the 100 Huntley Street telecast daily on his computer in his home in North Carolina. If you cannot watch the special on CTS (over the air, cable, or satellite signal), then you can watch it online. It will be streamed online at the same time it is being broadcast…9:00 p.m. EST. It will be available on the CTS website at www.ctstv.com (you can watch a preview of it right now). Tell everyone about this, and join me tomorrow night.

 

10 thoughts on “Friday, April 19, 2013

  1. Such a beautiful Psalm about God, David’s Saviour! Oh that we might all know the Lord as intimately as David knew His Lord! I’m sure the George Beverly Shea special will be a fitting tribute to a life well-lived for our Lord; I’m very much looking forward to it! Have a blessed day David Mainse and to all fellow bloggers.

  2. God’s timing is always perfect. This was a tough week for me, but reading today’s r eading reminded me that God has what is best for us, he protects us, he loves us and I am reminded that I just need to keep trusting in his perfect provision. Thank you for doing this daily bible reading, I am learning so much everyday.

  3. It amased me how David communicated with God and then knew what steps he should take, either in retreat or advancement, to preserve his life and his followers. He had an amazing sense of loyalty, and truly knew that God was his rock and fortress. In David’s song, I admire how he connects the power of God to such naturalness as lightning, earthquake tremors and wind. Looking forward to seeing Beverly Shea’s special. Have a great day to all!

  4. Look forward to watching the special, tomorrow, on George Beverly Shea, David. God is our strength, our protector, and our future. We are each of us, fortified by the love of God, guarded by His protection, and guided by Him to the future He sets out for us, if only we let Him in and keep our sole focus on Him. Thank you, David, for being the amazing example in our lives, that this is truly possible!

    Yesterday, I was in the process of waiting for something, and popped into the Salvation Army store, to look at the Christian books. ‘The New Direction Volume 1, Bible Reading Guide with David Mainse’, stuck out with your young photo on the cover. It was published in 1985! Here are a few words from the foreword:

    “The Word of God is the believer’s weapon. It’s the “Sword of the Spirit”. In fact, it’s sharper than any two edged sword. With this weapon you can cut down the “strongholds of the enemy” (11 Cor 10:14). The scripture declares:

    Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble,
    And He saved them out of their distresses.
    He sent His word and healed them,
    And delivered them from their destructions. Psalm 107:19-20

    “Something or someone will bring you distress. God saves you out of distress by sending His Word. This book is like a daily mail delivery service, which will keep the Word of God regularly as a part of your day…. My sincere prayer is that the Holy Spirit, the only one who can truly throw the light of understanding upon the Word of God, will bring great insight, with a fuller understanding of your eternal salvation, along with healing of spirit, soul, mind, and body, and deliverance from everything that would hurt you either from within or from the circumstances outside yourself.” David Mainse

    Memory Verse (pg. 26): I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised; so shall I be saved from my enemies.” 2 Samuel 22:4 NKJV.

    Wishing fellow saints a blessed day, as we live for, and serve, our gracious, powerful, and mighty Lord!

    • Have just become aware of the overnight events in Watertown. Praying for the protection and safety of our neighbours, there. Lord, God, please hold the United States in your hands and provide aid to the police to weed out and immobilize the terrorist activity that has been unfolding. In Jesus Holy name, we pray.

  5. It is so good to be reminded of God’s protection today (and every day), especially with the events of this past week. The Lord is a High Tower and the righteous run to it and are safe.

  6. Thank you David and fellow bloggers for your replies. I have been focusing on my circumstances instead of Jesus Christ . God is faithful. Today’s reading has reminded me where and Who the focus should be on!!! God bless each one!!!!!

Leave a Reply to Beverlee Kay Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.