Psalms 34:7 The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.
This passage of scripture, simply put tells us of God's continuing watchcare over His earth-born children. It is a fact that God in His mercy protects even those who do not acknowledge Him or serve Him. A prominent example of this occurred whilst the children of Israel were journeying through the wilderness. They were to pass through a piece of real estate that belonged to Esau's descendents, and although they had long turned their backs on God, He had not turned His back on them. He was still there working behind the scenes for their protection and well-being as is evidenced by the instruction He gave to Moses and the Israelites as they passed through their coasts. Let's read:
Deuteronomy 2:2 And the Lord spake unto me, saying, 3 Ye have compassed this mountain long enough: turn you northward. 4 And command thou the people, saying, Ye are to pass through the coast of your brethren the children of Esau, which dwell in Seir; and they shall be afraid of you: take ye good heed unto yourselves therefore: 5 Meddle not with them; for I will not give you of their land, no, not so much as a foot breadth; because I have given mount Seir unto Esau for a possession. 6 Ye shall buy meat of them for money, that ye may eat; and ye shall also buy water of them for money, that ye may drink.
The Jews were not to intimidate them on account of God's superior power being with them, neither were they to take advantage of them by using for free their goods and services. God's love is truly amazing!
However, as much as God protects those who do not know Him, His watch-care is exercised on a much higher level in behalf of those who serve Him as the above passage in Psalms states. This is so because of necessity, as the followers of Christ are often made the target of brutal and sudden assaults by the evil one. This fact is stated several times in God's word as something all Christians should be mindful of. Let's read:
Revelation 12:17 And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.
A striking example of the malice of satan was displayed when through Herod, he caused the apostle James to be executed. Peter was also in his sights when the Lord made a dramatic intervention that ended in the rescue of Peter, and the consequent execution of the soldiers who had his charge. Let's read:
Acts 12:1 Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church. 2 And he killed James the brother of John with the sword. 3 And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.) 4 And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people. 5 Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him. 6 And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison. 7 And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands. 8 And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me. 9 And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision. 10 When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him. 11 And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews.
It's worthy of note that satan's enmity is not only directed against the righteous, but even those who do not serve God are often hewn down in indiscriminate carnage. That's why a profound warning is issued in the scriptures so that all who will, may find shelter under the protective watch-care of God's angels who excel in strength. Let's read:
2nd Timothy 3:1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
An example of the fulfillment of this prophecy occurred on September 11 when America was rudely awakened to the vicious attacks of Bin Laden and his followers. Through satanic agencies, thousands were brought to an untimely end, with no regard for rank, religion, or gender. That's why we are given gentle reminders in the scriptures that the safety of the entire human family is not a result of countless security measures, but rather because of God's protective watch-care over us. It's a blatant disregard of this fact that allows the enemy to slip through the cracks from time to time. Let's read:
Psalms 127:1 Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain. 2 It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep.
Proverbs 21:31 The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the Lord.We sincerely hope and trust that as we take up life's responsibilities from day to day, living in a troubled world, that we would always be cognizant of the fact that we need God's protecting care every moment of the day. We therefore end with a promise that can be adopted by all who acknowledge God in their lives. Let's read:
Psalms 91:1 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. 3 Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. 4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. 5 Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; 6 Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday. 7 A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.
We sincerely hope and pray that we all may learn to put our trust in God. "Good night" and God bless!