Monday April, 19 2021 Devotional

"The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe." - Proverbs‬ ‭18:10‬

"But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one." - 2 Thessalonians‬ ‭3:3‬

The name Jesus means “The Lord Saves.” His name tells us who He is; the Lord, our Savior. He is Lord of all; King of the created Universe; King of the Kingdom of God. He rules over all power and authority in heaven and on earth. Even rulers and authorities who are in rebellion against Him are under His rule, His power and His control.

As missionaries we learned when dealing with corrupt government officials to pray, “Lord, these are Your servants, whether they know it or not. Bring Your servants into line with Your will.” We found that all our fear of being in the hands of such people would vanish and we were then free to cheerfully wait and see what God would do next, instead of becoming suspicious and resentful.

Time after time unreasonable delays turned into opportunities for ministry. The Lord had a purpose in every encounter and as we took refuge in His name, trusting in Him, we would get to see what that purpose was.

“The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord and against his Anointed, saying, ‘Let us burst their bonds apart and cast away their cords from us.’ He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord holds them in derision.” (Psalm‬ ‭2:2-4‬)

God actually finds it comical when mere men in positions of authority rebel against His rule. For us, who have to live with them, it’s comforting to know that we can take refuge in Him, no matter what governing officials might do in their rebellion against Him. He is still in charge. He is still the Lord. Lord Jesus, as we watch ungodly men create immoral laws and rage against You, we know that You are the Lord and these are Your servants, given to us for our good, whether they know it or not. Bring Your servants into line with Your will. We take refuge in your name and rest in You. Amen.

Pastor Dan Giles