https://odb.org/MY/2023/06/09/our-place-of-safety
If there is a large tree in the plains, you will see that it attracts many animals like an oasis or water hole in the desert. The tree becomes a canopy or shelter from the sweltering heat. A shade from the blistering sun is most welcomed, especially at midday in the heat of summer. It is also a picture of God protecting His people, that as we become a part of His Kingdom here on earth, His benevolent love is upon us like an eagle covering her young under her wings.
If we look back at the history of this region; the straits of Malacca, a key trading and shipping route, were under the protection of the Middle Kingdom. That is why, although Siam was the strongest nation in the mainland, it never ventured beyond the northern states of Malaya. However, when China withdrew itself and became a closed nation after Admiral Zheng He/Cheng Ho’s 300-ship naval expedition (with more than 37,000 men) towards India in 1417-1419, Malacca then fell to the Portuguese 100 years later in 1511. See the Edict of Haijin issued in 1434 by Emporer Zhu Zhanji. During the times of China’s protection, life went on with booming trade, but the people faced threats from pirates and bandits – just that if any major nation tried to colonise or conquer Malacca, they would need to face the might of the Chinese military.
I think that as Christians, as much as we have established that we face life like any other, we have the protection of God when it comes to the attacks of the evil one. In the spiritual realm, we are on God’s side of the line. The devil can’t cross over unless he seeks the Lord’s special permission, like in the case of Job. In terms of spiritual warfare, we believe that Christian homes are like the Israelites’ home when the angel of death passed by – we are protected by the blood of the Lamb! Using the illustration of the plains, since we are under the shadow of the large tree (God), we are not subject to the elements out there, especially the burning heat of the soaring sun. But life goes on earth even under the tree – if we are prey, predators may still eat us!
Read Psalm 121. It is a Song of Ascents sung by Jewish pilgrims as they make their way to Jerusalem 3 times a year for the 3 main feasts. That journey is through the mountains and is thus fraught with danger from bandits. They look to the LORD for protection, to safeguard their journey as they travel to fulfil their obligations to Him. I lift my eyes to the mountains – where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the maker of heaven and earth. Indeed, He who watches over Israel will neither sleep nor slumber.
Ronnie's Thoughts 