GOD IS OUR DEFENDER

Their Defender is strong; He will take up their case against you. [Proverbs 23:11]

In God we find shelter and safe haven against the assaults of a dying and lost world. He has promised to protect us and be our shield and defender always. He is our refuge and source of security. When the going gets tough you can count on Him. He will take up your cause and defend your position. That is why you need never fear. He is at your side and will never let you down. He is stronger than anything or anyone. He champions those who are at the mercy of the oppressor of the righteous. Our God cares for us and defends us against all harm.

For the LORD your God is God of gods and LORD of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and accepts no brides. He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the alien, giving him food and clothing. [Deuteronomy 10:17-18]

You hear, O LORD, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry, defending the fatherless and the oppressed, in order that man, who is of the earth, may terrify no more. [Psalm 10:17-18]

Do not look forward to the changes and chances of this life in fear; rather look to them with full hope that, as they arise, God, whose you are, will deliver you out of them. He is your keeper. [Francis de Sales]

POWER OVER LIFE & DEATH

Jesus performed many stunning miracles during his ministry; resurrecting the dead was among his most astounding. Mark 5 records the occasion when Jesus brought a dead child back to life in front of her parents and his three closest disciples (see Mark 5:21-43 and Luke 8:49–56).

The fact that the girl was indeed dead is evident from the people’s reaction when Jesus claimed she was only sleeping. Unaware of Jesus’ divine power, they laughed at him, since it was clear to them that she would never “wake up.” Despite their disbelief, Jesus brought the little girl back to life.

God alone holds the power over life and death, thus Jesus’ use of this power provides evidence that he has the same authority as God the Father. Jesus’ resurrection of this little girl highlights his authority, his identity and his power to give life—whether physical or spiritual—to those who believe.