"Our God . . .Is Able To Rescue Us"

Jehovah has done more than just promise protection. In Bible times, he demonstrated in miraculous ways that he is able to protect his people. During Israel's history, Jehovah's mighty "hand" often kept powerful enemies at bay. (Exodus 7:4) However, Jehovah also used his protective power in behalf of individuals.

When three young Hebrews - Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego - refused to bow down to King Nebuchadnezzar's image of gold, the furious king threatened to throw them into a superheated furnace. "Who is that god that can rescue you out of my hands? " Taunted Nebuchadnezzar, the most powerful monarch on earth. (Daniel 3:15) The three young men had complete confidence in the power of their God to protect them, but they did not presume that he would do so. Hence, they answered: "If it is to be, our God whom we are serving is able to rescue us." (Daniel 3:17) Indeed, that fiery furnace, even when heated to seven times hotter than normal, presented no challenge to their all-powerful God. He did protect them, and the king was forced to acknowledge: "There does not exist another god that is able to deliver like this one." -Daniel 3:29.

Jehovah also provided a truly remarkable demonstration of his protective power when he transferred the life of his only-begotten Son to the womb of the Jewish virgin Mary. An angel told Mary that she would "conceive in [her]womb and give birth to a son." The angel explained: "Holy spirit will come upon you, and power of the Most High will overshadow you." (Luke 1:31, 35) Seemingly, God's Son had never been so vulnerable. Would the sin and imperfection of the human mother blemish the embryo? Would Satan be able to injure or kill that Son before he was born? Impossible! Jehovah formed, in effect, a protective wall around Mary so that nothing -no imperfection, no hurtful force, no murderous human, nor any demon - could damage the growing embryo, from the moment of conception on. Jehovah continued to protect Jesus during his youth. (Matthew 2:1-15) Until God's appointed time, his dear Son was unassailable.

Why did Jehovah protect certain individuals in such miraculous ways? In many cases Jehovah protected individuals in order to protect something far more important: The outworking of his purpose. For example, the survival of the infant Jesus was essential to the fulfillment of God's purpose, which will ultimately benefit all mankind. The record of the many displays of protective power is part of the inspired Scriptures, which "were written for our instruction, that through our endurance and through the comfort from the Scriptures we might have hope." (Romans 15:4) Yes, these examples strengthen our faith in our all-powerful God. But what protection can we expect from our God today?

Next time: What Divine Protection Does Not Mean

Draw Close To Jehovah, 2002