Introduction
If you have your Bible, open to Psalm 91:3. “Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the perilous pestilence.”
The verse expresses his assurance the trust of which he spoke would not be vain, but God proves at all times the deliverer of His people. He is evidently considered as addressing himself, and in this way encouraging his own heart to hope in the Lord.
Let us define some words that the Psalmist used in this verse. Note that I will give the Hebrew meaning as the Old Testament was originally written in that language. The word snare (pach) means to trap, fowler (yaqush) means trapper, and pestilence (deber) means plague or thorns.
Be Delivered, Not Snared
Some think that the phrase “snare of the fowler” spoken of here in connection with “the pestilence,” or hidden mischief distinguished from open aggression. The writer declares that Divine protection is sufficient for him, whether Satan attacks him openly or by more secret and subtle methods. Remember, Satan’s only power is by our consent and cooperation.
Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler. Not “maybe” or “sometimes,” but an unqualified “surely.” Not a conditional “He might” but a definitive “He shall.” What blessed assurance we have that our God will deliver us from the snare of the fowler!
The Bible depicts the devil as a fowler. A fowler is a professional bird catcher. He lays traps and carefully conceals them so that he can ambush unsuspecting birds. John 10:10 depicts the devil as a thief and murderer who comes to steal, kill, and destroy.
Don’t Fear the Fowler
What we need to understand the world we live in is a fallen world. Adam committed high treason and gave the keys to this world to the devil. Because of what Adam did, the devil is, for now, the ruler of this world. The apostle Paul calls him in Ephesians 2:2, “the prince of the power of the air.” As long as the devil is still the ruler of this world, the world will continue to get darker and darker and there will continue to be accidents, sicknesses, calamities, tragedies, and deaths.
We can rejoice in the knowledge that Satan’s lease on this world is quickly running out. Apostle Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 15:22-28 Jesus has risen and Adam, due to his disobedience to God, causes sin and physical death to be brought into the world. Because of Jesus’ resurrection, He is now the firstfruits and is coming back. All His enemies (people that have not repented) will be put under Jesus’ feet, with physical death as the last enemy to be destroyed.
In the meantime, we will see the world getting darker and darker. But as believers, we do not need to live in fear. Our trust is in our Lord Jesus. In John 17:16, “We are in this world, but we are not of this world.” There is a very real and active fowler that is setting up snares. Even as I write this, I’m reading and hearing reports of bombs going off, shootings, and viral outbreaks.
Conclusion
In the natural, this can be extremely disheartening. But don’t forget that we have a Savior who is even more real, and He has promised to deliver us from the snare of the fowler and from perilous pestilences (dangerous diseases and viruses). The bottom line is, we need to realize how much we need our Savior and His protection daily. We need to involve the Lord Jesus in our lives every day. Only He can deliver us and keep us safe, Amen!
I am Dale Van De Bogart and I approve of this message!
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