There has been a tendancy in modern Western culture to dismiss the Christian concept of a caring, saving God as “Pie in the sky.” Christians suffer. There are martyrs. All of the apostles (say for John) met violent deaths. I recently saw a query as to God’s concern for His earthly church. It bluntly asked “Has God ever rescued someone in this life, or is all in the here after?”
A clear response was made. Yes, He has!
- Lot was rescued by Abram at God’s guidance (Genesis 14).
- Lot and his daughters were saved from the promised destruction of Sodom (Genesis 19).
- The Hebrews protected from the Angel of Death (Exodus 12-13).
- The Hebrews flee the Egyptians through the Red Sea (Exodus 14).
- King David was saved from the hand of King Saul [12 times] (1 Samuel 18:30-19:24).
- The prophet Elijah protected from wicked Queen Jezebel (I Kings 19f).
- Esther and the Jews of Persia were saved when evil Haman was plotting to exterminate the Jews (Esther).
- The prophet Jonah from the belly of the great fish (Jonah 2).
- Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were saved from being burned alive in Nebuchadnezzar’s fiery furnace (Daniel 3).
- Daniel, protected from the mouths of lions in a den of lions (Daniel 6).
So the Bible is full of examples. But more importantly we have a promise: “Seek first the Kingdom of God . . . and all these things will be added unto you.” Our needs and struggles will be provided for. And as far as temptations: “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it (I Corn 10:13).”
God is a saviour here in this life, and in the world to come. Pie in the sky – why yes, but as dessert from a life of “Daily Bread” here below. Count on it!
Padre
