Do These Things; Psalm 91, Proverbs 24

May the mumbling commence!

Today and tomorrow, I want to revisit one of my favorite Psalms – Psalm ninety-one.  It is a Psalm that we want to look at in its entirety because there is much to learn and because it contains the verses that Satan took out of context during Jesus’ temptations in the wilderness.  Early in January, I looked at the first part of the Psalm.  Today I will look at the second part of the Psalm – with some overlap.  Read the passage below:

Because you have made the Lord, who is my refuge,

Even the Most High, your dwelling place, 

No evil shall befall you,

Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling; 

For He shall give His angels charge over you,

To keep you in all your ways. 

In their hands they shall bear you up,

Lest you dash your foot against a stone. 

You shall tread upon the lion and the cobra,

The young lion and the serpent you shall trample underfoot. 

"Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him;

I will set him on high, because he has known My name. 

He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him;

I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him. 

With long life I will satisfy him,

And show him My salvation." (Verses 9-16) 

The portion in bold-italic underlined that is dark pink is the part that Satan misuses.  It is how Satan tries to tempt Jesus to jump from the highest point of the temple.  Take unnecessary risks to impress people… is that what God would want?  NO!  This promise is based upon some foundational actions.  Let’s list them:

1.)   Make the Lord your refuge and dwelling place.

2.)   Set your love upon the Lord.

3.)   Seek to know the Name of the Lord.

4.)   Call upon the Lord in times of distress.

Do these things, and the promises contained in Psalm ninety-one will be yours.  Evil will not be able to touch you.  God will deliver you from evil and temptations.  God will set you on high.  You will tread upon the lion and the cobra – the young lion and the serpent.  Is there any more obvious reason for Satan to strategically forget what comes directly after the verses he quoted?  It spells his own doom!

Do these things, and you will live a long and satisfying life.  Do these things, and the way to eternal life will be opened unto you.  Now that is exciting!  With these weapons of knowledge, you will be strong to fend off Satan.  The war that Satan wages against you will be to no avail.  Read from Proverbs chapter twenty-four:

A wise man is strong,

Yes, a man of knowledge increases strength; 

For by wise counsel you will wage your own war,

And in a multitude of counselors there is safety. (Verses 5-6)

Welcome to the safety of the Lord God Almighty! 

Enough mumbling for now… 

Peace Out