October 17, 2020
My Dear Brothers and Sisters, I greet and bless everyone in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. The blessed word that God has given for you today, is from the book of Psalms 17:8,9 , “Keep me as the apple of Your eye, Hide Me under the Shadow of Your Wings.”From the wicked who oppress, from the deadly enemies who surround me.”
My Dear Brothers and Sisters, from the above context we understand that David being compassed with enemies prays to God the Father, in this Psalm, to keep him in safety. David cried out to God, asking God to preserve him, guard him, and defend him, as one who would protect that which is most precious and valuable to him. He says, “Lord keep me as the apple of your eye. Hide me under the shadow of your wings.” This is in comparison to birds, or fowls, that protect their young ones by gathering them, under their wings. It is probable that the Psalmist had this passage in his mind, where it says, “’He instructed him, He kept him as the apple of his eye, as an eagle, stirreth up her nest, flutters over her young , spreads, abroad her wings, So the Lord led him in the wilderness.”
My Dear Brothers and Sisters, In the Life of David, there was a huge time of oppression. Even though he was anointed to be the king of Israel, by Prophet Solomon, yet he could not enjoy the kingship that was granted to him. He was rather chased by his own uncle king Saul, who wandered everywhere to kill David. He was jealous of him because he was victorious over Goliath the Philistine giant who came against the Israelites. Saul was all the time planning as to how he might kill him. On the other hand, his own son, Absalom was awaiting opportunities to kill his father David, in order to usurp the throne after the death of his father. His wife Michal, listening to her father, King Saul, despised David and went to live with another man named Palti. Thus his entire family was against him. And now, David was in great distress. He was over whelmed with sorrow.
My Dear Brothers and Sisters, David did not have any security for his life. He was afraid that his son Absalom would kill him any time. So in order to save his life he hid himself in the foothills, and caves. There are numerous Psalms written by him about his lamenting over his fear of death and his sorrowful state of life. And Psalm seventeen is one among them, focusing from the beginning till the end, about the sorrow over his death, and his family problems. He cries out in this Psalm to the Lord, as a prayer, asking God to help him overcome this fear of death and asks God to protect him. Once, when he fled from King Saul, to the caves, he cried out to the Lord in fear, saying, “Lord be merciful to me, for my soul trusts, in You, And in the shadow of your wings, I will make my refuge. Until these calamities, have passed by.” Later he says, “’Lord I will abide in Your Tabernacle, forever. I will trust in the Shelter of your wings. Lord because You have been my help, therefore I will rejoice in the shadow of your wings.”
David was surrounded with foes from all corners. There were many wicked and cruel men who oppressed him. And he was surrounded with several enemies who were so bitter to him in spite of his goodness. So he says, “’Lord protect me and keep me as the apple of Your eye. Hide me under the shadow of Your wings.” He sought for God’s hand of protection. He knew well that he could rely upon the eternal God for his refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. He will thrust out all his enemies, from before him, and he shall dwell in safety. And one day all his enemies will submit to him and he shall tread down their high places.
Are you afraid of your enemies? Is someone chasing you for no reason? Have you been surrounded by unwanted and wicked foes? It may be your own relatives, creditors, one of your own siblings who is troubling you, your own nephew, or niece? Don’t be afraid, of the trouble, from the wicked when it comes. Whoever it may be, put your trust in Jesus, He will cause your enemies to surrender at your feet. Like David, Remain under the shadow of His Mighty wings. He will protect you and keep you secure. No one can pluck you out from His Hands. He will keep you as the apple of His eye. God bless you.
Prayer: Our loving heavenly Father, we thank you for this blessed day. Thank You for reminding us about the miserable life of David, through this passage. And because He trusted in God he was safe. Help us to put our confidence in God and not on worldly things. Make us to understand that even though we are surrounded by our enemies. Teach us to believe that God will protect us. And He will be a very present help.
In Jesus name we pray.
Amen.
