He’s Got You Covered

Have you noticed that an oft-repeated Bible verse, during the pandemic, comes from Psalms 91? Much of the chapter ministers to us today but here I consider one main thought.

“He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty….He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust….” (Psalm 91:1,4).

Typically—and rightfully so–we think of the Passover being an event where the angel of death passed over God’s obedient people by putting the lamb’s blood on the doorframe of their homes.

The Hebrew word for “Passover” has a far deeper meaning. Pasha (Passover) or pesach is not connected to any other Hebrew word, but is related to the Egyptian word pesh which the children of Israel probably understood living in Egypt all those years. It means “to spread wings over” (Ceil and Moishe Rosen, Christ in the Passover). It’s like an eagle spreading her wings over her young to protect them. The Lord’s wings passed over the inhabitants protected by the blood of the lamb” (Rick Deadmond, The Betrothed Bride of Messiah).

God said He would “pass over” Jerusalem like a bird and defend her: “As birds flying, so will the Lord of hosts defend Jerusalem; defending also he will deliver it; and passing over he will preserve it” (Isaiah 31:5, KJV).

“The Lord of Heaven’s Armies will hover over Jerusalem and protect it like a bird protecting its nest. He will defend and save the city; he will pass over it and rescue it” (NLT).

“And like a huge eagle hovering in the sky, God-of-the-Angel-Armies protects Jerusalem. I’ll protect and rescue it. Yes, I’ll hover and deliver” (MSG).

God doesn’t fly over us, in a time of need or crisis, but becomes an umbrella of protection over us just as a bird is to its nest. He doesn’t leave us or forsake us!

This theme of God overshadowing His own is a recurring theme throughout Scripture.

“Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings, From the wicked that oppress me, from my deadly enemies, who compass me about” (Psalms 17:8-9).

“How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings” (Ps 36:7).

“Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast. I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth all things for me” (Ps 57:1-2).

Jesus said, “…How often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings…” (Luke 13:34).

I am believing and trusting with you, wherever you are, whoever you are, that God has you covered!

~James Poitras, Director of Short-Term Missions
April 9, 2020