God’s Covering and Protection – Scripture Dissection

When I was in college, I took a “Camping – Hiking Course.” It fulfilled a basic requirement. Overall, it was a good experience. Interestingly, I learned a lot. However, I remember one bad experience – the weather didn’t cooperate. Our group pitched our tent. But it started POURING. Then, the temperature dropped dramatically. It was a freezing, soppy mess. Sadly, our group squeezed into a car and spent the night there – shivering. Unfortunately, our tent nor our car, provided the covering and protection we needed. Thankfully, God’s covering and protection doesn’t look like that.

Let’s Tear Into – God’s Covering and Protection

We always explore four categories in Scripture dissection:

1. What Does It Say?
2. What Does It Mean?
3. Make It Personal.
4. Make A Commitment.

 

1. What Does It Say?

In this content, we look at verse portions from 1 Cor. 10 as we explore God’s covering and protection.

• ” . . . our ancestors were all under the cloud and they all passed through the sea.”
• “They all ate the same spiritual food and drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank from the Spiritual Rock that accompanied them, and that Rock was Christ.“
• “Do not be idolaters, as some of them were . . . We should not commit sexual immorality, as some of them did—and in one day twenty-three thousand of them died. We should not test Christ, as some of them did—and were killed by snakes. And do not grumble, as some of them did—and were killed by the destroying angel.”
• “So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!”
• “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. God is faithful. He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so you can endure it.”

 

This is what those Scripture portions say.

2. What Does It Mean?

Let’s consider some ideas about God’s covering and protection. First, let’s look at 2 interesting examples from “What Does It Say.”

1. “They were under the cloud.” God literally covered His people with a cloud – a kind of force field, protecting them from the elements, from predators (including Pharaoh’s army), from fears that consume. It was a physical reminder they lived under God’s covering.
2. “They all passed through the sea.” Safe, unharmed, in amazement – hearts pumping wildly. Perhaps they reached with arms to let fingers skim into the wall of water that formed their escape passage. Maybe children gaped at fish swimming alongside. God provided an escape route with tons of sea water piled up on either side – looming with possible threat of collapse as the Hebrews scampered through to the other side. Another physical reminder they lived with God’s protection.

 

Analysis Points About God’s Covering And Protection

First – everyone needs covering and protection. You and me, too. The Israelites were sheltered against elements by God’s presence as a cloud. Interestingly, this cloud became a warming pillar of fire at night. Plus, they passed through walls of water – a huge miracle – to escape danger.

Second – God chose the Hebrews. “You are My special people. I have chosen you!“ Further, God miraculously intervened and provided, sometimes altering physical properties He created, in order to help them. Why? Because He chose and loved them.

Third – God chooses you. “You are My special child. I have chosen you!“ Notice or not, God already provides covering and protection for you. However, following Jesus doesn’t mean an easy, comfortable, no-suffering life. It does mean God gets you through each day – well.

Fourth – God is most concerned about your character. Especially, since your body, alone, is not who you really are. It’s a wonderful covering and provision from Him. But it will die one day – unless Jesus returns first. Rather, Jesus wants you to eat and drink of HIM to nourish the “real you.” So, plant your life on the Rock – “That Rock was Christ.”

Stepping Out From God’s Covering And Protection

Physical provisions are a picture of God’s involvement in your life. When people stop trusting God for physical provision, they also step away from other provisions. In fact, from the very source of their life.

In trusting other sources than God, a person engages in “spiritual adultery.” Interestingly, this is a form of rebellion against God’s intimate involvement in life.

God addressed the Israelites’ rebellion. And 23,000 people died in one day!

Testing Christ

From God’s perspective, idolatry means breaking relationship with Him – by preferring other people, things, experiences to satisfy needs and desires. In other words, any other covering or protection than Jesus.

When the Israelites tested Christ, they were punished with snakes that killed many.

Additionally, they grumbled. Engaged in a habit of grumbling brought the destroying angel.

Have you ever tested Christ in similar ways? Have you doubted God’s intentions toward your life?

Examples And Warnings

1 Cor 10:11 says physical pictures are examples and warnings for us.

Have you ever presented yourself cheaply? This could be in a sexual manner – or any other pursuit of covering and protection outside God. Perhaps you ignore God’s accountability. How about grumbling – lack of gratitude. This stuff gets on God’s radar, and proves you don’t trust His love and goodness.

I’m guessing you haven’t faced death for disobedience. Or been bit by a snake because something’s more important to you than God. You’ve likely not cringed in terror of a destroying angel for on-going grumbling.

Again, these are examples and warnings. Pictures. You should heed them when you –

1. Value other things/experiences more than God.
2. Participate in self-focused behaviors.
3. Give yourself cheaply to “users” who don’t honor God.
4. Continually complain and grumble in your current situation.

 

This is what those Scripture portions mean.

3. Make It Personal

Do any of these verses represent some of your behaviors?

Incidentally, these are root responses to God. Actually, He’d rather not punish you. Rather, He wants you to become increasingly more like Christ. He takes your sin seriously. Do you?

You might defend yourself – “I don’t do that.” Or “God won’t help me if I trust Him.” Or “God won’t punish me. That’s Old Testament stuff.”

If you have those thoughts – you’re already responding like those Hebrews. Rather risky – “testing Christ” – don’t you think?

This all sounds serious. It is. However, when you embrace faith and obedience, God opens a new way – which transforms you. Joy and peace show up. You discover the adventure of living for Jesus in details of life.

Need Wisdom?

Jas. 1:5-8 says to ask God for wisdom and help. Life is hard. It can get quite challenging – even confusing. But God rewards your faith and obedience. Not necessarily by granting your wishes. But by making you more like Jesus.

Consider this. God is more interested in your growth into Christ-like character than your comfort level. Yet, He also cares about your comfort. Why not trust Him for both – and accept how He chooses to show His faithfulness to you.

Perhaps life is more about you showing you truly love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. This short journey on earth is your chance to be faithful to Him.

Additionally, your life on earth is the only time you can prove your loyalty, love, and confidence in God. It’s the only time you have to prove you love God and will obey Him no matter how hard life gets.

God is quite invested in your special life. So, how do you make it personal?

Well –

1. Honor and glorify God.
2. Let your life be one of service.
3. Be a model for others.
4. Encourage those who suffer.
5. Be faithful – like Jesus is faithful.
6. Remember – “If you don’t stand firm, you will not stand at all.” (Is. 7:9b)

 

That’s how you make those Scripture portions personal.

4. Make A Commitment – Application Thoughts and Questions

1. Will you commit to be faithful to God no matter what?
2. Do you believe you are special to God?
3. Are you nourishing yourself with Christ the Rock? Are you planted on Him?
4. In what way do you need to accept God’s covering and protection?
5. List specific, practical, creative strategies you can implement for someone else’s well-being.
6. Do you ever carry yourself in a less-than-holy manner?
7. Have you tested Christ by not believing His promises?
8. How much do you grumble?
9. If you are weary – or need wisdom – turn to God. He will provide covering and protection.
10. Remember –“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. God . . . will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear . . . He will provide a way out so you can endure it.” (1 Cor. 10:13)

 

* Portions of this content came from our book – e-Pistles For An i-Generation Relevant In A Digital Age – a devotional book that takes you through 1 and 2 Corinthians. You’ll find practical action points that help you know God better and nurture personal growth. You can find this book in our bookstore: www.aliveandactivelife.org/store.

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