Sermon Central
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Security
Contributed by Thomas Cash on Apr 21, 2008 (message contributor)
SECURITY
When something historic occurs, we remember it the rest of our lives. Where were you on September 11, 2001? I was listening to the radio after taking my wife to work. Suddenly, an announcer interrupted and said there was "an incident" in New York. The reports worsened during that eight-mile drive home. I found myself glued to the television for the next nine hours. Sensing the need to be with family, our daughter Amanda drove over and spent the rest of the day with us.
We remember where we were when first hearing of disaster or tragedy. The security industry has become big business. Otherwise there would be no market for burglar alarms, smoke detectors, security systems, guard dogs, and weapons designed to defend our home and family. Out of fear, we purchase these products in an attempt to somehow prevent our most valued possessions from being snatched out of our hands.
"Our" possessions? No! They are God’s, but he entrusts them to us as caretakers. The most valuable, yet least considered God-given treasure is our souls. We know we must protect our families and homes, but it is of utmost urgency that we secure our souls as well. David understood this when he wrote, "Keep me safe, O God, for in you I take refuge…apart from you I have no good thing" (Psalm 16:1-2).
A refuge is more than a shelter; it is a place of safety and protection. When I was a kid, where do you suppose I felt the most secure when a terrible storm rattled the windows of our house? With my Mom & Dad. When life’s storms rattle the windows of our souls, we need to do exactly the same thing: Run to the Father! David did. "I have set the Lord always before me. Because He is my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body will also rest secure." (Psalm 16:8-9).
Stability, security, safety, protection, and shelter: God offers them all through the saving grace of Jesus Christ. In spite of our inadequate praise and constant battles with sin, he continues to claim us as his children. "My sheep listen to my voice…no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand" (John 10:27-29). What a promise! What security!
Some people will pay anything to protect their temporary treasures on earth. Jesus promises to protect our eternal treasures in heaven (see Matthew 6:19-21).
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