You have given me the shield of your salvation, and your right hand supported me, and your gentleness made me great.1
This verse is packed with the assurance of God’s promises. Whenever a shield is mentioned, I am reminded of Paul’s encouragement to the saints of Ephesus: Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil (which is deception; the devil is the father of lies2). . . . In all circumstances take up the shield of faith.3 Faith is important; since it is through faith that we please God.4 And YES, it is through faith that we are saved. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is a gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.5
The right hand is another word picture–the King of kings6 seated at the right hand of God. This picture connotes Jesus has equal standing with God.7 Whenever he raises the scepter with his right hand, he grants approval. The very moment that we are given the grace to believe, we are justified, redeemed, and accepted by the Beloved.8 In him you also when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.9
It is assuring that no other than the Godhead secures our salvation. To Simon, Jesus said that Satan demanded to have him, and be sifted like wheat. But because Jesus covered Simon in prayer, he knew that he would overcome.10 Jesus is our High Priest forever,11 constantly interceding for us. And he has pleaded to the Holy Father for his disciples that none be lost.12 I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word . . .13
When Jesus said, “It is finished.”14 He meant finished! He completed the requirement of the law. My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.15 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose.16 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us . . .17 We are free!18
How great has he made those whom he adopted as sons? Immeasurable greatness! That same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead is the same Spirit that resides in every believer.19 Jesus speaks of living water.20 I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean from all your uncleannesses, and from all your idols I will cleanse you. And I will give you a new heart and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules.21
As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness; when I awake, I shall be satisfied with your likeness.22
Notes:
1. Psalm 18:35
2. John 8:44
3. Ephesians 6:10-20
4. Hebrews 11:6
5. Ephesians 2:8-9
6. 1 Timothy 6:15
7. Hebrews 12:1-3
8. Ephesians 1:3-10
9. Ephesians 1:13-14
10. Luke 22:31-32
11. Psalm 110:4; Hebrews 7:17
12. John 17:1-19
13. John 17:20-26
14. John 19:30
15. 1 John 2:1-2
16. Galatians 2:20-21
17. Galatians 3:13
18. Galatians 5:1
19. Ephesians 1:19-23
20. John 7:37-39
21. Ezekiel 36:25-27
22. Psalm 17:15
