ODJ: Protective Bubble

May 21, 2017 

READ: Romans 8:31-39 

Let all who take refuge in you rejoice. . . . Spread your protection over them. . . . You surround them with your shield of love (Psalm 5:11-12).

Just as some people have to sleep beneath mosquito nets to ward off the little bloodsuckers, some parrotfish spin cocoons of mucus before they nod off. They secrete the mucus ‘sleeping bag’ around themselves for protection from predators.

Wouldn’t it be great to have a protective bubble to shield us from the dangers of the evil in this world? The reality is, however, that we’re not exempt from the dangers and vulnerabilities of life. But Paul assures us of God’s presence as we experience our days on earth (Romans 8:31-39).

The apostle directs us to think of the security we have in Jesus by asking and answering seven rhetorical questions (vv.31-35). In verse 36 he quotes Psalm 44:22 to show that believers in Jesus aren’t immune from trouble, calamity, hunger, danger or death. But we don’t have to fear, for God protects, saves and keeps us safe in His protective ‘net’ (Romans 8:31-39). Three times Paul assures us that we’re spiritually safe and secure in Christ’s great love. No wonder Paul triumphantly declares that “overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us”. No person or anything else “will ever be able to separate us from the love of God” (vv.37,39).

Although this doesn’t mean we’ll never face pain, suffering and death, as believers in Jesus we’re saved and safe in the promise of God’s power, provision and presence. Jesus readily assures us, “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch [my sheep] away from me, for my Father has given them to me, and he is more powerful than anyone else. No one can snatch them from the Father’s hand” (John 10:28-29). We’re truly secure forever in Jesus.

—K. T. Sim

365-day plan: Ecclesiastes 12:1-14

MORE
Read John 17:9-17 to see how Jesus prayed for our protection in Him. 
NEXT
Read once again the promise of God’s protection in Romans 8:31. What comfort and encouragement does this promise give you today?