The Lord lives! Blessed be my Rock! Let the God of my salvation be exalted. Psalm 18:46.
Dear Heavenly Father, I feel so blessed to be able to call You Abba. Thank You for being not only my Heavenly Parent, but also my Rock, and my God. In the name of Your Son Jesus Christ I offer You my gratitude. Amen.
Yesterday we began this conversation about The Rock. There are many passages of Scripture that make mention of a rock. But during our conversation, we will be talking about The Rock, with a capital R. That is, The Rock that brings us salvation. The Rock of our defense.
It is said that David wrote this psalm when God delivered him from the hand of all his enemies, including Saul. It seems that for the greater part of his life David was always on the run. Being constantly persecuted, no matter where it is coming from does not feel good. But when it comes from those you thought were your friends, it hurts even more! David knew that feeling only too well.
“For it is not an enemy who reproaches me; Then I could bear it. Nor is it one who hates me who has exalted himself against me; Then I could hide from him. But it was you, a man my equal, my companion and my acquaintance. We took sweet counsel together, and walked to the house of God in the throng” (Psalm 55:12-14).
If that were not bad enough, his enemies were not only from without, but also from within. Absalom his son, became one of his most treacherous enemies, rivaling his father for the throne, and gathering sympathizers from among his father’s “friends.”
One of the most trusted, and most influential among David’s so called friends was Ahithophel, David’s counselor, who played the traitor. But God, The Rock, David’s Defender, defeated Ahithophel’s purpose, and he ended up taking his own life. David’s son Absalom, was killed in battle.
The psalm ends on this note:
“It is God who avenges me, and subdues the peoples under me; He delivers me from my enemies. You also lift me up above those who rise against me; You have delivered me from the violent man. Therefore I will give thanks to You, O Lord, among the Gentiles, and sing praises to Your name. Great deliverance He gives to His king, and shows mercy to His anointed, To David and his descendants forevermore” (48-50. Emphasis provided).
Have you experienced deliverance from sin? Then you are free indeed! Happy Independence Day!