What Old Testament examples show God's protection when following His will? Responding to the Call—John 11:7 “Then after this He said to the disciples, ‘Let us go to Judea again.’ ” Jesus chooses obedience, even though Judea holds real danger. That same pattern—God’s people stepping into risk yet shielded by His hand—threads through the Old Testament. Below are clear snapshots of that protective care. Foundational Truth: God Preserves Those Who Walk in His Way • Scripture presents protection not as freedom from hardship, but as God’s active guardianship inside His purposes. • Psalm 121:7-8 summarizes the promise: “The LORD will guard you from all evil; He will preserve your soul. The LORD will watch over your coming and going, both now and forevermore.” Old Testament Snapshots of Protection • Noah—Genesis 6-8 – Obedient faith builds an ark “according to all that God had commanded him” (Genesis 6:22). – While judgment falls, the obedient family “remained safe” (Genesis 7:23). • Abraham—Genesis 12; 15; 20 – Leaving Ur, he walks toward an unseen land. God answers with the covenant, “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield” (Genesis 15:1). – Even in hostile territories, the patriarch departs “with his wife and all he had” unharmed (Genesis 12:5; 20:17-18). • Joseph—Genesis 37-50 – Betrayed, enslaved, imprisoned, yet preserved: “God sent me ahead of you to preserve life” (Genesis 45:5). – Protection includes promotion; Joseph rises to second-in-command, safeguarding countless lives. • Moses as an Infant—Exodus 1-2 – A mother’s obedience to hide her child, a princess discovering the basket: “The child grew, and she brought him to Pharaoh’s daughter” (Exodus 2:10). – The future deliverer remains untouched by the edict of death. • Israel at the Red Sea—Exodus 14 – Following God’s pillar leads to entrapment between water and army. – “The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still” (Exodus 14:14). The sea parts, enemies drown, the people cross unharmed. • Elijah—1 Kings 17-19 – During famine, ravens bring bread and meat “morning and evening” (1 Kings 17:6). – On the run from Jezebel, the angel touches him: “Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you” (1 Kings 19:7). Strength supplied, prophet preserved. • Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego—Daniel 3 – Obedience refuses idolatry; furnace awaits. – “No smell of fire had touched them” (Daniel 3:27). A fourth Man walks with them, confirming God’s nearness. • Daniel in the Lions’ Den—Daniel 6 – Prayerful loyalty breaks the king’s decree. – “My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths” (Daniel 6:22). Morning light reveals an untouched prophet. • Esther and the Jewish Nation—Esther 4-9 – Mordecai’s charge, “Who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14), leads Esther to risk her life. – The gallows meant for Mordecai receive Haman; God’s people “rested from their enemies” (Esther 9:22). • David Pursued by Saul—1 Samuel 19-24 – Though Saul hurls spears and hunts him through wilderness, “The LORD will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine”—and from a jealous king (1 Samuel 17:37). – Caves, friends, and even enemy territory become shelters arranged by God. Repeated Patterns Worth Noting • A clear word from God leads to a decisive step of faith. • Risk surfaces immediately; danger is real, not imagined. • Divine intervention arrives in unexpected forms—ark, parted sea, foreign palace, angelic visitor. • Protection serves a larger plan: preserving covenant, advancing God’s kingdom, revealing His glory. Linking Back to John 11:7 Just as Old Testament saints stepped forward and found God faithful, Jesus models fearless obedience, journeying toward Judea where resurrection power will soon be displayed. The same Shepherd who watched over Noah, Abraham, Joseph, and Daniel still guards every disciple who answers His call today. |
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