Numbers of the Bible

Day 49 – He is Their Help

As a bridge helps us to cross troubled or difficult waters, our Heavenly Father provides us with the same kind of help. The Word is filled with verses about our God helping us in time of need. As I meditated on this picture today, I noticed several things about it:

1. The waters are not high, but yet a bridge was needed. So the picture is deceiving – if there is a need for a bridge, then something we do not see hinders the traveller while crossing. This stream may swell due to rains and the waters rise and make travelling across dangerous.

2. The waters are filled with various-sized rocks which could make the walk across difficult – not impossible, just difficult.

3. The shores on both sides are covered in bushes and trees so the approach and exit would be cumbersome as well.

4. The bridge provides a safe and comfortable entrance, an easy walk across as well as the exit.

Jesus Christ became our bridge over 2000 years ago, my friend! He has provided the born-again believer with a bridge to the Heavenly Father. No longer do we need to go through a high priest to offer sacrifices for our sin. Praise the Lord that Christ, our High Priest, has offered the ultimate sacrifice – the one and only sacrifice for our sins. There is no other way to heaven but by Him. I love this verse: Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. (Heb 2:17)

The road to heaven is not an easy road. In fact, it is a narrow road according to Matt. 7:13-14, Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: (13) Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. (14) The word strait means narrow – not only is the gate narrow but the way to heaven is narrow. This leads me to believe that people are not going to enter heaven in droves – otherwise the gate and the way would be wide. Matthew says that the gate and way is wide that leads to hell! Oh how sad that people would be willing to be part of a crowd entering hell for all eternity! My heart just absolutely aches!

What does this have to do with our Bible number series you wonder? I was thinking how blessed we are to have this Bridge in our lives! This same Jesus who provides us with the way to His Father also helps us and shields us on our path. Just as the picture depicts rocks in the waters and obstacles along the shoreline, so does the Lord provide us with help in our daily walk! He won’t remove these obstacles but He will provide us with a bridge over them, so to speak.

Three times, the Word of God tells us that we can trust in the Lord and He will be our help and our shield! Praise His Holy Name!

O Israel, trust thou in the LORD: he is their help and their shield.
(Psa 115:9)

O house of Aaron, trust in the LORD: he is their help and their shield.
(Psa 115:10)

Ye that fear the LORD, trust in the LORD: he is their help and their shield.
(Psa 115:11)

The number three symbolizes the Godhead. Our blessed Trinity will be our help and our shield, my friend! Each part of the Godhead will take care of us. We have a compassionate and caring Heavenly Father who pities us and provides us with everything we need. Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him. (Psa 103:13) We have a Saviour who stands before the Throne mediating for us. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; (1 Ti 2:5) We have the Holy Spirit who resides within us and teaches us exactly what we need from the Word to make it through each day. But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. (Joh 14:26) The Lord ministers to us completely! The Godhead completely shields us and gives us help when we trust in Him.

I really needed this today! God knew exactly what I needed in the most perfect way! Praise be to God! We can be going through circumstances where our future is unclear and the road ahead seems rocky, but praise the Lord that He knows and will always have a bridge for us as we cross the troublesome waters. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. (Psa 23:4) I may not be walking that valley of death but I will fear no evil because God is with me! Emmanuel lives within my heart and keeps me safe – He is my shield! Who better to trust in than the King of Kings! Glory!

King of Kings
John B. Herbert

O thank the Lord, the Lord of love;
O thank the God all gods above;
O thank the mighty King of kings,
Whose arm hath done such wondrous things.

Refrain

King of kings forever and ever;
Lord of lords, forever and ever,
King of kings forever and ever;
King of kings and Lord of lords!

Give thanks to God, for good is He,
Thanks to the God of gods give ye;
Thanks give the Lord of lords unto,
Who only wonders great can do.

Refrain

Who thought on us amidst our woes,
And rescued us from all our foes;
Who daily feeds each living thing;
O thank the Heav’n’s Almighty King.

Refrain

O praise the Lord, for He is kind,
Give thanks to Him with heart and mind;
His mercy flows an endless stream,
To all eternity the same.

Refrain