Believer's Safety: Christ's Concern

Nelson Thomas Mumbai

According to reports, one in seven Christians world over face extreme discrimination and violence due to their faith. They are the most persecuted community in the world today. All over the world attacks, detention, and killing of the followers of Christ continue unabated, even with the support of the authorities. In such a dangerous environment it's good to consider our Lord's concern for the safety and security of His followers.
     Just before going to the cross, we see the Lord Jesus praying for His own, even for all of us (John 17:9, 20). One of the major topics He presents before the Father is our safety here on earth. Notice the word 'keep' repeated in vs. 11, 12, and 15.
     He says "While I was with them in the world, I kept them in Your name. Those whom You gave Me I have kept; And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me" (John 17:12, 11; cf.18:9, 8 ESV).
Dangers Believers Face
In His prayer, the Lord Jesus refers to the threats His followers face while on earth:
     1. The World (11) that hates, troubles and tempts them (cf. John 16:33; 1 John 2:16). The world system controlled by the evil one is always against God and His people (Eph. 2:2; 1 John 3:1, etc.).
     2. The flesh (11), the abiding sin nature that leads to the cravings against the new nature (Gal. 5:17). For the same reason they face interpersonal issues and divisions, etc.
     3. The evil one (15), the devil himself who is waiting for an opportunity to assault the saints (1 Peter 5:8; 1 Thess. 2:18; Eph. 6:11-13).
     The Word of God warns that the enemy is able to invent new schemes and strategies to trap the people of God (2 Cor. 2:11). Christ Himself disclosed to Peter that Satan wanted to sift him like wheat (Luke 22:31). If that is what the enemy aims even when the Lord was around them, how much aggressive the enemy will be to implement his diabolic schemes, once Christ leaves the scene physically!
     It is in this context the Lord Jesus intercedes for them with the Father. What a care and concern for His people!
     Praise be to God, our Lord is well aware of our present state in every aspect. He knows our frame, the atrocities and the aggressors as well. Moreover, He has made provisions for our safety and security in this vulnerable environment.
Christ's Arrangements for our Safety
Notice the number of measures the Lord has taken to support and protect us during our sojourn in this world.
     1 His Word, John 17:8, 14, to enlighten, edify, and encourage them (cf. Psa. 119:11; 1 Thess. 4:18; 1 John 2:14).
     2. His Spirit (John 14:16–18), to teach and lead in every truth. And also, to empower and equip for them service, Acts 1:8.
     3. His Angels (Heb. 1:14), to serve and guard (cf. Psa. 91:11; Job 1:10; Acts 12:15).
     4. His Presence (Matt. 28:20; Mark 16:20), spiritually, to strengthen and to direct His people. We see the fulfilment of this promise later in the lives of God’s people, especially in certain darkest moments of their life (cf. Acts 18:9, 10; 23:11; 27:23; 2 Tim. 4:17). Yes, when He is for us, who can stand against us, and whom shall we fear (Rom. 8:31; Psa. 27:1)?
     5. His Prayer (Heb. 7:25), continuously and sympathetically upholding us as our perfect High Priest. The prayer we find in John 17 is an example. In Luke 22:30, 32, the Lord revealed to Peter that He prayed for him knowing the tactics of Satan aimed at him. The Word of God also tells us that the Lord instructs us with His eye, holds us with His right hand, and covers us with His feathers, etc., (Psa. 32:8; 73:23; 91:4). Nothing happens to His children without His permission. Not even the hair of our head falls without God’s perfect knowledge (Luke 21:18; 12:7; Acts 27:34). What a blessed privilege! Let us take refuge under His wings, whatever may be the circumstances.
     It is possible we may feel forsaken by all. Especially when people whom we trusted as the closest and efficient to support in our crises, fail us. It is in such gloomiest instants in life we really enjoy the presence of the Lord in a very personal way. Notice what apostle Paul wrote, "At my first defence no one stood with me, but all forsook me. May it not be charged against them. But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me" (2 Tim. 4:16, 17a).
Believer's Responsibility
In view of such an arrangement of security do we have any responsibilities? God's gracious provisions for our triumphant life on earth should not make us complacent and inactive. For unbroken victory over our enemies and a productive life we ought to fulfil our obligations as the scripture tells us.
     The most important one is to stay close to the Lord to have an intimate relation with Him (John 15:4). This includes the regular meditation of God's Word and prayer (Josh. 1:8; Phil. 4:7; 1 Pet. 5:7). Our Lord is able and faithful to keep us (2 Thess. 3:3), but let us remain in that protecting circle with all diligence. Never go out of that sphere where you are privileged to enjoy divine safety and security.

NTK