Heart of a Psalmist - Psalms 91

We must meet the terms of God’s ‘ifs’ before we can claim the resulting promises. Moses boldly proclaims the Lord’s favor to those who are covered by the blood of the lamb… ”no evil…no plague…”.

“For he orders his angels to protect you wherever you go. They will hold you with their hands to keep you from striking your foot on a stone.”(11,12)

The Devil partially quoted this scripture in his second temptation of Christ leaving out the very important “to protect you wherever you go.” It is the only recorded time where he directly recites the Word of God: “Then the Devil took him to Jerusalem, to the highest point of the Temple, and said, ‘If you are the Son of God, jump off! For the Scriptures say, “He orders his angels to protect you. And they will hold you with their hands to keep you from striking your foot on a stone.’” (Mt. 4:5-7) The Devil tried to twist the interpretation of the scripture; ‘Jump and the angels will protect you from the consequences of falling!’ Jesus rightly understood the true meaning; ‘His angels will “...protect you wherever you go…’ so you won’t jump into situations that are harmful! The Devil tries to get believers to jump prematurely into all sorts of dangerous circumstances. The ‘highest point of the Temple…’ could represent ‘worship’ as it is the pinnacle of the believer’s life. There is a pressure upon worship leaders to jump into things that are spectacular, but it is best to avoid this trap and be content with efforts that are excellent and sincere. Jesus’ responses to the three temptations of the Devil were all from the Book of Deuteronomy; “Jesus responded, ‘The Scriptures also say, “Do not test the Lord your God.”’ (Mt. 4:7)

“You will trample down lions and poisonous snakes; you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet! (13)

Just as the Israelites overcame the fiery serpents in the wilderness: “Whenever those who were bitten looked at the bronze snake, they lived.” (Num. 21:9) Christ overcame the Devil who is depicted as both a lion and a serpent in his wilderness temptations: “This great dragon¬–the ancient serpent called the Devil, ..." (Rev. 12:9) After the 3 temptations God sent the angels promised in this psalm to minister to Jesus; “Then the Devil went away, and angels came and cared for Jesus.”(Mt. 4:11)

IV

SATISFY WITH LONG LIFE -14-16

The author of this psalm now turns to their prophetic gift speaking directly on behalf of God. This is a brief song of the Lord marked several times by God’s emphatic phrase; ‘I will’. It is unequaled in beauty and hope. • “The Lord says, ‘I will rescue those who love me.’” (14) Those who make an effort to love the Lord are assured of his promised deliverance. “…with all his imperfections he does love his God; there- fore not the angels of God only, but the God of angels himself will come to his rescue in perilous times 2 …’ • “I will protect those who trust in my name.” (14) God’s love not only rescues us, but he shields us from harmful situations. • “When they call on me, I will answer;” (15) Love is the key to having an instant audience with the King. • “I will be with them in trouble.” (15) This precious promise is spoken directly to those who set their love on him. • “I will rescue them and honor them.” (15) We are not only rescued from our difficulties, but God adds honor to us after the trial is over. • “I will satisfy them with long life and give them my salvation.” (16) God lifts the focus