Isaiah 12:2

New International Version (NIV)

Surely God is my salvation;
I will trust and not be afraid.
The Lord, the Lord himself, is my strength and my defense;
he has become my salvation.”

For Meditation

I remember one of my schoolmates from elementary school. His ‘facial architecture’ was proverbial – not one you would describe as handsome. It earned him the nickname, chimpanzee. He was well built and intimidating. Only a few dared pick a fight with him in town. However, brother Chimp’s physical structure was not his most fearful asset. His father was the celebrated warrior; the strongman of our town with a lot of heroics in combat to his credit. Knowing the vulnerability of his son in academics, he made sure that every teacher in the school knew he was watching over his son. Those were the days of corporal punishment in schools, and no teacher ventured to touch his boy. Opanin Sefa had become the strength and defense of his son, Brother Chimp! The day however came when the school decided to dismiss brother Chimp for a terrible offense and poor academic performance. Upon the strength of the evidence, Opanin Sefa couldn’t defend his boy. Neither could his strength save brother Chimp.

Human strength and defensive prowess could go so far, but they have their limits. However the strength of God and His defensive competence are absolutes. That is why He is able to save His people from sin and death (Col. 1:13-14; Heb. 7:18).

After the crossing of the Red Sea, Moses composed a song that celebrated the strength and heroics of God against Pharaoh and his charioteers (Ex. 15:1-18). Moses exalted God (1), affirming his unequaled greatness among the gods. God is “Majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders” (11). The prophet Isaiah put it this way: “Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The LORD, the LORD himself is my strength and my defense, He has become my salvation” (Is. 12:2).

1. Is there any God apart from our Jehovah?
2. Has the world ever seen His equal?
3. Can anyone save like Jesus? With the bloodstained cross dominating the skyline at Calvary, putting sin to flight; who can replicate it?
4. When the stone gave way to its Creator and Jesus walked out of the tomb, chasing death away from “those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death,” could Satan boast again (Heb. 2:14-15)?
5. Do you realize the power and strength of our Savior that has become ours through the indwelling Holy Spirit (Eph. 1:19-20)? Can you have a better defender in your present situation?

I pray you sing with Moses and Isaiah today and be assured of God’s Omnipotence and faithfulness in every circumstance.

So: May you “trust and not be afraid” (Is. 12:2); and may you find strength to face your challenges in Christ Jesus, our Savior and Defender.

The All-mighty power of the Most High is our defense in Jesus.

Shalom