OUR DAILY BREAD DEVOTIONAL FOR FEBRAURY 10, 2023 (COME HOME TO GOD)
TODAY’S TOPIC: COME HOME TO GOD
Bible in a Year: Leviticus 8–10; Matthew 25:31–46
Bible Verse: He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust. Psalm 91:2
Today’s Scripture: Psalm 91:1−2, 14−16
INSIGHT
Psalm 91:11–12 is among the many Old Testament psalms quoted in the New Testament. When Jesus was tempted in Jerusalem, the devil said to Him, “If you are the Son of God, . . . throw yourself down from here. For it is written: ‘He will command his angels concerning you to guard you carefully; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone’ ” (Luke 4:9–11).
Psalm 91 is indeed a song about God’s protection, but the verses Satan quoted were misapplied. What the devil did amounted to abuse of Scripture. His quote was meant to tempt Jesus to test God by putting Himself in harm’s way. But rather than foolishly test God, Jesus would trust the One who declared Him to be the “Son, whom I love” (Luke 3:22) all the way to the cross. By: Arthur Jackson
MESSAGE
One early evening while I was jogging near a construction site in our neighborhood, a skinny, dirty kitten meowed at me plaintively and followed me home. Today, Mickey is a healthy, handsome adult cat, enjoying a comfortable life in our household and deeply loved by my family. Whenever I jog on the road where I found him, I often think, Thank You, God. Mickey was spared from living on the streets. He has a home now.
Psalm 91 speaks of those who “[dwell] in the shelter of the Most High” (v. 1), making their home with God. The Hebrew word for dwells here means “to remain, to stay permanently.” As we remain in Him, He helps us live according to His wisdom and to love Him above all (v. 14; John 15:10). God promises us the comfort of being with Him for eternity, as well as the security of His being with us through earthly hardship. Although trouble may come, we can rest in His sovereignty, wisdom, and love, and in His promises to protect and deliver us.
When we make God our refuge, we live “in the shadow of the Almighty” (Psalm 91:1). No trouble can touch us except that which His infinite wisdom and love allow. This is the safety of God as our home. By: Karen Huang
