J.D. Enosh addresses the security believers have in an uncertain world as the people of God who are always under the protection of the Most High. The shadow of God is not an occasional place but a constant, abiding place—it is to dwellers, not visitors, that the Lord promises protection.
Scripture Texts
Psalm 91:1-8; Isaiah 32:2; Song of Solomon 2:3; Psalm 63:7; Isaiah 49:2; Isaiah 51:16; Psalm 91:9-16
Main Points or Ideas
- The Shadow of a Great Rock in a Weary Land - Isaiah 32:2 describes a man as a hiding place from the wind and a covert from the tempest, as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land. This shadow shows when we first meet the Lord as a refuge in the time of troubles, especially when we are lost in sin and the wrath and judgment of God abides upon us. The Lord is our covering for sin—He took God's wrath for our sin, became sin for us, and bore the punishment in our place. Jesus is a complete covering; we must abide there and not venture forth to answer for ourselves. Satan accuses us before God's throne day and night, but Jesus our advocate says He does not remember our sins anymore.
- The Shadow of a Tree - Song of Solomon 2:3 pictures sitting under His shadow with great delight, with His fruit sweet to our taste. This shadow refers to the believer once he has trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ—a rest of joy and contentment that Jesus is our all in all. When we delight ourselves in the Lord, He gives us the desires of our heart, and the joy of the Lord becomes our strength.
- The Shadow of His Wings - Psalm 63:7 speaks of rejoicing in the shadow of God's wings. This is our trust in depression and trouble, pictured as little birds in their nest under the shadow of their mother's wing. When we are sick and depressed, worried about our future, our children and family, or when Satan's temptations are upon us, we run to God and hide near His heart beneath His wing. J.D. Enosh shares testimony of violent persecution in India in 1983 while screening the Jesus film—they were attacked, dragged to a temple, and forced to worship idols, but refused. As they fled the village, stones were thrown at them, yet the Lord protected them and none of the stones struck them. Despite many attacks and imprisonments, they continued preaching the gospel, and wherever they faced severe persecution, they were able to plant churches.
- Under the Shadow of His Hand - Isaiah 49:2 and 51:16 speak of being hidden in the shadow of God's hand. This passage refers to Jesus Christ being hidden in the hands of the Father to be used by God. We are also His servants to be used by Him to speak His word. Everyone who speaks a word for Jesus Christ can share in this verse—those who preach, teach, and do outreach are in the shadow of God's hand. Satan cannot touch a hair on our head until God gives permission, and even then, He will be with us and give us special grace to endure persecution.
- Blessings for Those Who Dwell in His Shadow - Psalm 91:9-16 promises that no evil shall befall those who dwell in the shadow of the Lord, no plague shall come near their dwelling, God's angels will be given charge over them to keep them in all their ways, they will have power over Satan and his demons, God will deliver and lift them up, He will answer their prayers and be with them in trouble, and He will give them long life and show them His salvation.
Conclusion
God will protect and keep believers under His wings when they dedicate themselves and go into the mission field. God has brought each person with a definite purpose and wants to use their lives mightily. The message concludes with a request for prayer and for mission teams to come to India so they can have passion for the Lord Jesus Christ.
