However, He is also a trusty shield. “The princes of the people are gathered together, even the people of the God of Abraham: for the shields of the earth belong unto God. . .” [Psalm 47:9]. Humankind have made their shields and will lay them down at HIS feet. No matter what they are made of, timber, leather, bronze, metal, gold or silver – our shield is divine. It is impenetrable and encompassing. Change the metaphor maintain the fact – “You shall hide them in the secret of your presence from the pride of man: you will keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues” [Psalm 31.20]. Our shield is God himself. Like Job he can put a hedge around us [Job 1:10]. Some hedge. Great protection, invisible but totally all-embracing and panoptic.
“You hide them in the protection of your presence; you conceal them in a shelter from human schemes,” [Psalm 31:20]. We have double security; whenever God’s presence is actually present amazing things happen. “The LORD will protect you from all evil; He will keep your soul” [Psalm 121:7]. He puts our soul first and foremost – “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand” [John 10:28]. The Biblical metaphors are instructive and clear. “Just as the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds his people, both now and forever” [Psalm 125:]. We are saved and surrounded, encompassed eternally and infolded beyond the reach of those who could destroy our soul. What He says of Israel he means for His church also, He would not do less for His Body. “Then I, myself, will be a protective wall of fire around Jerusalem, says the LORD. And I will be the glory inside the city!'” [Zech. 2:5]. Finally, hear this: “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”
Not only our sun and shield but He gives “Grace and Glory.” If I have not received grace I cannot have glory, for there will be no change. Grace brings a multitude of ministering agents to work on our behalf. It is God’s overwhelming mercy, underserved and certainly unmerited. However, together with light and safety there is the windfall, boon and blessing of HIS grace. Thus, light and safety are part of that grace. “ For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” [Rom. 8:18-23]. And, “You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory” [Psalm 73:24]. Why would God allow my presence to disturb glory with no glory? On earth, it states we are being transformed “from glory into glory” [2 Cor. 3:18]. The work has commenced, God set it in motion at the cross, as we bowed in humble adoration, for the Spirit is possessing and reforming us in God’s image. What Adam lost in Eden, God is trying to give back. The race we have to run and the daily warfare we are engaged in, needs grace upon grace, without it we will fail. Thus, grace to receive glory and grace to maintain grace. Paul’s plea is that we “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–” [Rom. 12:2]. Like petrol in an engine we need grace in our soul for renewal. It leaks or is consumed daily, we need replenishment. The promise is there – “Grace and glory.”
MWC
