Safeguarding Sunday - Visionary View: "guardians Of The Shelter: A Corporate Responsibility" Series

Safeguarding Sunday - Visionary View: "Guardians of the Shelter: A Corporate Responsibility"

Introduction:

Today, we embark on a profound exploration of Psalm 91, not merely as a personal refuge but as a corporate prayer that beckons us into collective responsibility.

In the poetic words of the psalmist, we are described as 'the shelter of the Most High... the shade of the Almighty' (Psalm 91:1, NLT), signifying a present responsibility shared among us. Let us delve into the layers of this psalm with a visionary view.

The Collective Refuge (Psalm 91:1-2):

The opening verses gracefully invite us into the sacred sanctuary of God.

"Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; He is my God, and I trust Him" (Psalm 91:1-2, NLT).

As the venerable Charles Spurgeon wisely stated, we must collectively recognise God as our ultimate refuge. Our shared responsibility is to embody God's refuge as a unified community.

Illustration:

Envision the body of Christ as a magnificent, protective tree, generously providing shade and shelter to all who seek refuge within its branches.

Guardianship in Action (Psalm 91:3-7):

The subsequent verses unfold the dynamic nature of our shared refuge.

"For He will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease. He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armour and protection" (Psalm 91:3-4, NLT).

God, in His benevolence, exercises an active guardianship over us, and His presence stands as our paramount protection.

Illustration:

Picture the body of believers as a vigilant flock of birds, actively guarding one another, forming a shield against the snares of the enemy through collective vigilance.

Embracing Our Present Responsibility (Psalm 91:9-13):

The psalm further unfolds our present responsibility, emphasising God's promise of deliverance.

"If you make the Lord your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your home" (Psalm 91:9-10, NLT).

We are entrusted with the responsibility of safeguarding our souls, collectively standing as defenders against the encroaching darkness.

Illustration:

Envisage the body of Christ as a fortified city, manned by vigilant watchmen symbolizing our collective commitment to actively guard our community.

Advocacy for the Vulnerable (Proverbs 31:8, NLT):

Proverbs 31:8 instructs us, "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed" (NLT).

The insightful words of C.H. Spurgeon resonate here, "It is not enough to be compassionate; you must act." As guardians of God's shelter, our responsibility extends to advocacy for the vulnerable.

Illustration:

Visualize the body of Christ as a steadfast lighthouse, guiding ships safely through turbulent waters; our advocacy becomes a guiding light for the vulnerable in the storm.

Point 5: United in Prayer (Psalm 91:14-16):

The subsequent verses reinforce the power of unified prayer within our collective responsibility.

"The Lord says, 'I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honour them'" (Psalm 91:14-15, NLT).

Recognize, dear friends, that each of us has a role as guardians of the shelter, and our collective prayers possess the potency to invoke divine intervention.

Illustration:

Imagine the body of Christ as a harmonious choir, blending voices in prayer, each contributing to a powerful symphony that resonates in the heavens.

Community of Healing (James 5:16, NLT):

Expanding on our shared responsibility, James 5:16 emphasises, "Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results" (NLT).

A deeper expository layer reveals that our unity extends to healing within the community. Our collective repentance and intercession foster an environment of spiritual healing.

Illustration:

Picture the body of Christ as a hospital for souls, where confession and prayer are the remedies, and healing permeates through the shared commitment to righteousness.

Conclusion:

In concluding our expository exploration of Psalm 91, we recognise that being 'the shelter of the Most High... the shade of the Almighty' is not merely a privilege but a shared responsibility.

Let us actively embrace our roles as protectors and defenders within the body of Christ. May our understanding extend to fervent prayer and communal healing, reinforcing that safeguarding is not an individual endeavour but a present responsibility we willingly and collectively bear.

May our understanding extend to those who cannot speak for themselves, ensuring justice and protection for all.

As guardians of God's shelter, God’s Word to us today affirms that safeguarding is a present responsibility we must all willingly share.