A Life in Exile

If you’ve ever used Facebook, you’ve seen the notices pop up about friends who find themselves in an area where either a natural or man-made disaster has hit: “So-in-so is marked safe in a certain place.” As reassuring as these posts are to friends and loved ones, no one wants to be caught in such situations. Even if we see them coming and take precautions, they can still be scary and turn lives upside down.

Did you ever think about the fact that there is a way to be pre-emptively marked safe, no matter what disaster or violence hits? For anyone who believes in Jesus Christ, we don’t have to worry about letting friends and family know we’re safe after a disaster—we’re already marked safe in Him.

Marked safe by his presence here on earth.

In Christ, we have the assurance of his presence and comfort, whatever happens in our life circumstances. He is our stronghold against the storms of life. David knew the protection of the Lord from his experiences both as a shepherd and warrior. The presence of the Lord was his safe place.

They confronted me in the day of my calamity, but the Lord was my support. He brought me out to a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me. (Psalm 18:18-19)

Even when I go through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for you are with me; your rod and your staff—they comfort me. (Psalm 23:4)

The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom should I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—whom should I dread? When evildoers came against me to devour my flesh, my foes and my enemies stumbled and fell. Though an army deploys against me, my heart will not be afraid; though a war breaks out against me, I will still be confident. (Psalm 27:1-3 CSB)

Jesus echoed the shepherd’s theme in his words to his disciples. When sheep are in the care of a good shepherd, they are at rest, knowing he watches over them and provides protection.

“My sheep hear my voice, I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all. No one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.” (John 10:27-30)

Being in the care of the Good Shepherd does not mean that we never face trials and suffering, or that bad things never happen to us. Jesus knew the reality of this fallen world, but he reminds us that evil will not have the final say for those in his sheep pen.

“I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.” (John 16:33)

So, whatever may happen, this I know—I’m marked safe in the loving arms of Jesus.

Marked safe for eternity.

The greatest comfort we have in knowing Christ as Lord and Savior is the confidence of his seal on our lives. Marked by the indwelling of the Spirit of Christ, the Holy Spirit, we can be at peace, even when death stares us in the face. Why? Because this life is not the end—a new life lies ahead in the restored heaven and earth with Christ on the Throne with the Father.

Again, Jesus spoke of it to his disciples as he prepared to face the cross.

“Don’t let your heart be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? If I go away and prepare a place for you, I will come again and take you to myself, so that where I am you may be also. You know the way to where I am going.” (John 14:1-4)

Unlike Thomas, who questioned the way to where their rabbi was going, we know the answer from our Lord’s response: “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).

Because we know the way is through faith in Jesus, we can rest in his peace—a peace beyond all understanding, no matter our circumstances.

“Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Don’t let your heart be troubled or fearful.” (John 14:27)

Are you marked safe?

I want my friends and loved ones to know that even if they hear about a natural disaster or act of violence in my area, they can count on me being marked safe. How can that be? Because they know I am a child of the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ, and he’s got it all handled for Carol Ghattas—here on earth and for eternity.

How about you?

Grace and Peace

If you missed the last Wednesday Wisdom, click HERE, or check out these other posts about peace and rest in Christ: Questioning the Abundant Life, How Long, O Lord?,  In Christ Alone, The Good Fight,  and Trust in the Beloved.