He will cover you with his pinions,

and under his wings you will find refuge;

his faithfulness is a shield and a buckler.

–Psalm 91.4—

Many years ago, when I was a wee little lad, probably around the age of 6 or 7, I went on a road trip with my Grandmother. We drove from New York down to South Carolina to visit an aunt who was living in that State at the time.

One of the only memories I have from that trip is the memory of hiding under a kitchen table.

I was outside riding a bike with my cousin when all of a sudden we heard an ear-piercingly loud siren that seemed to come out of nowhere.

Without hesitation, my cousin jumped off of his bike and started running to the house. I had no idea what was going on but it seemed important so I also left my bike in the middle of the street and ran into the house closely behind my cousin.

When we got in the house, we found my aunt and grandmother huddled under the kitchen table and frantically waving for us to come and join them. So, we got down, and wiggled our way under the table and into the comforting arms of the two women who were caring for us that week. The siren continued to fill the air the whole time this frantic search for a covering was going.

While under the shelter of the table, it was explained to me that this was a hurricane and tornado safety drill. In places like South Carolina, these sort of safety drills happen randomly at all times of the day and night. The purpose of the siren and mad dash to gather under the kitchen table was to provide protection from the forces of nature associated with extreme weather conditions.

The kitchen table above me, and the arms of my grandmother and aunt were all providing protection for me in the event of the house collapsing above me.

When the crowing, hissing, or growling of an animal predator is heard, when the crunching of leaves under the boot of a human hunter is getting louder, when the clapping of thunder and the flashing of lightning fill the sky, when strong winds start bending the trees above, when the smoke and heat of a brush fire approach, the mother spreads her body out and calls her babies to run under the pinions of her wings to find refuge and a shield.

The pinion is the outermost part of the bird’s wing. So, in order for the baby birds to be under the pinions of the mother’s wing, her wings have to be fully extended and completely stretched out. In this position, the mama bird ensures maximum and complete protection for her children. In this position the mother bird is making herself vulnerable to harm. This act of the mother shows her love for her children through her willingness to give up her own life to save theirs.

On the cross, Jesus fully extends and completely stretches out his arms. In this position, your Savior ensures maximum and complete protection for you. Jesus spreads out His body, making Himself vulnerable to harm and in that act He shows you His love for you through His willingness to give up His own life to save you.

Many years ago, the rock band Creed wrote and recorded a song that quickly became an international anthem. Without directly knowing it, people all around the globe connected with and sang in unison words that spoke the good news of Jesus Christ on the cross when they participated in repeating the following chorus (read from the perspective of God speaking to you):

With arms wide open
Under the sunlight
Welcome to this place
I’ll show you everything
With arms wide open
Now everything has changed
I’ll show you love
I’ll show you everything
With arms wide open

On the cross, the siren sounded because the wrath of God was coming to crush you who are sinful by nature.

At the cross, God, your Father in Heaven, calls you to stand under His Son so that you are shielded from the destruction and death that your sin deserves.

On the cross, Jesus spread out His arms and protects you from the wrath of God that should be fully poured out on you.

On the cross, Jesus paid the price for your sins in full.

You have been shielded from ultimate destruction and are continually shielded from ultimate destruction.

Today, know that God is alive and active and has his arms fully spread out, holding you close, and keeping you safe in the midst of trials and temptations that are attempting to destroy you by distracting you from loving God and loving one another.

Jesus has protected you and shielded you with His arms wide open on the cross.

Go into the world today with your arms wide open protecting and shielding others.

Amen.

Pastor Fred.

July 28, 2017