Psalm 91; Luke 13:10-

Psalm 91
I would say the theme of this psalm is security. We have safety in the Lord no matter what may come our way. Honestly, we do know that godly people face terrible dangers and illnesses and tragedies and calamities of all sorts. But for those who abide, dwell, live in the Lord's presence, these things cannot defeat us. Vv 5 and 6 tell not to be afraid of these things and not to dread them. Remember that we are safe under God's "wings." This is a picture of Him protecting His children just as a mother bird protects her young. "If you make the Lord your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, no evil will conquer you, no plague will come near your home. For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go.:" To be perfectly honest, I can't explain why some people are called on to suffer while others are not. Or why some people are given a long life (by human standards) and others are not. But I do believe that God knows all about it; He is near to all of us who love Him and trust Him and call on Him (vv.14-16). We can know his peace and victory on the inside even if the circumstances around us seem chaotic.

I want to notice again the idea of abiding, dwelling, or living in the "shelter of the Most High" as we saw in vv. 1-2. Though the Lord is merciful to anyone who calls on Him, I believe this promise is for those who love Him and abide in Him all the time. Those who run to the Lord only in times of trouble or danger may have a hard time realizing His presence. But as I say, God is merciful, and it's always better to trust God later than not at all!

Luke 13:10-35

vv. 10-17 show Jesus' kindness and His ability to prioritize. He knew that this poor woman's physical needs were much greater than any silly rules about the Sabbath. He put people and their needs first. The Pharisee, on the other hand, treated his animals better than he treated this poor suffering woman.

vv. 18-35 are about salvation. vv. 18-21 compare the Kingdom of God to a mustard seed and to yeast. Both of these are very small, but they grow or expand to have a much bigger influence than was apparent at first. So it is with Christianity. It started small with a few believers and has grown to reach unnumbered masses of people. It is also that way in an individual's Christian life. We first trust Christ in a tentative way, not totally understanding what it's all about. But from this tiny new birth, we grow strong and fruitful in the Lord!

vv. 22-30 tell us that the narrow way leads to heaven. It is not the easiest way and many will miss it. But many will also find it (or the Lord will find them!), and those who seem least important now will be greatest in heaven. v. 30

In the final verses of this chapter, Jesus grieves over the people of Jerusalem when he saw them passing by the narrow way and missing their opportunities to be saved. It was a matter of their will. Jesus said He wanted to gather them to Himself, but they would not. And so we know that Jesus is always willing to save people, but they must be willing to say "yes" to Him.