Security
by Faye Schmidt
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My body also will rest secure, because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, nor will you let your holy one see decay (Psalm 16:9b,10).
Read Psalm 16
What a statement from the psalmist! Such confidence. Such assurance. And it all rests with the final words, ‘for you will not let your holy one see decay’ – a prophecy of Jesus’ death and resurrection. Jesus’ body will not decay. When the women went to the tomb, it wasn’t even there. It wasn’t what they expected because they came prepared to provide oil and ointments to address a decaying body.
When we think of ‘security’, it is often in the sense of protection. Matters of international importance are often referred to as a matter of national security. Something needs protecting.
Or we think of security guards. They are seen in many places these days, such as banks, government buildings, nightclubs and factories. In some countries, security guards are also present at schools.
The intent is to protect people from harm or property from damage.
The recent earthquake in Türkiye and Syria reminds us, once again, that when we go to bed at night, our earthly world is not one of security and rest. In the stealth of night, with terror, death came to thousands of people. The childhood prayer came to mind at this time: ‘Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep; if I die before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to take.’
Our text tells us that our bodies will ‘rest secure’. Not because it is guarded or protected by others, but because Jesus’ death and resurrection mean we also will have the joy of eternal life through God’s gift of faith through grace.
We don’t have to be concerned – we can rest secure. Held tight. Nothing can come between us and God.
Dear Jesus, I thank and praise you that through you, my eternal rest is secure in your promises, love and sacrifice. Amen.
Faye Schmidt continues her diaconal calling through governance, having served on the Victoria–Tasmania District Church Board, the General Church Board and currently as chair of the Standing Committee on Constitutions and her congregation, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Adelaide. Having lived and worked in many locations within Australia and overseas, Faye has a heart for the stranger and the newcomer. She has a heart for being open to new ideas, learning from others and responding to needs.
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