The Untouchables

April 18

 

 

By James Ryle

 

“You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day, nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday. A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; but it shall not come near you. Only with your eyes shall you look, and see the reward of the wicked.” (Psa_91:5-7).

 

The devil has always sought the darkness. Indeed, he dare not come to the light lest he be exposed. It is one of the reasons why those who love evil prefer the night over the day. But while they may “party on” with mindless indifference to the great peril that looms over their heads – nevertheless, the dark prince will most certainly strike them at a time they suspect not. And “the terror by night” shall seize them with great fear.

 

Speaking of the “terror by night” Adam Clarke writes in his commentary on the Psalms, “Night is a time of terrors, because it is a time of treasons, plunder, robbery, and murder. The godly man lies down in peace, and sleeps quietly, for he trusts his body, soul, and substance, in the hand of God; and he knows that he who keepeth Israel neither slumbers nor sleeps.”

 

Faith in God is the true remedy against the tormenting fear that is unleashed against our souls by the powers of darkness in times of crisis. Notice that the verse does not say that we will not be caught in the midst of the crisis, rather it says “we will not be afraid.”

 

This is the majesty of faith – it keeps us steady and firm in the midst of upheaval and uncertainty. Furthermore, we know that “all things work together for good, for those who love God and are the called according to His purpose”(Rom_8:28).

 

Yes, even in the darkness, God is moving in the Light. The Bible tells us that while the Egyptians were buried in the dreadful darkness of a terrifying plague, the children of Israel “had light in their dwellings.” (see Exo_10:23). So shall it be for us who have placed our trust in the Lord.

 

Whatever ill may befall those whose stubborn hearts incite them to open defiance of God, “it shall not come near you.” For the Lord has made you a part of the company of The Untouchables!