Are we in danger of losing our secure shelter in these uncertain and confused times? I live only three hours away from the much discussed riots in Minneapolis, in the winter of 2026. I have thought often of the Lord’s protection. This is especially true for men, since the Lord has given to us a protective instinct, in caring for our families. I visualizes this as being under a “sacred canopy” (Peter Berger).
We can visualize this covering in the words of Ps 91:1. “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” Isaiah 4:5 speaks directly to the image of a canopy. “Then the Lord will created all of Mount Zion and over those who assemble there a cloud of smoke by day and a glow of flaming fire by night; over everything the glory will be a canopy.”
During the exodus out of Egypt, the people of Israel were protected by a pillar of cloud during the day and a pillar of fire by night. “”By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light” (Ex 13:21). The Palmist describes it as a covering and the presence of light. “He spread out a cloud as a covering, and a fire to give light at night” ( Ps. 105:29).
When the tabernacle was set up in the wilderness, symbolizing the presence of God among the people, a cloud covered it. “On the day the tabernacle, the tent of the covenant law, was set up, the cloud covered it. From evening till morning the cloud above the tabernacle looked like fire. That is how it continued to be; the cloud covered it, and at night it looked like fire” (Num. 9:15-16 ). It a sign of God’s presence and protection over the people. The people would move with the cloud. “Whenever the cloud lifted from above the tent, the Israelites set out; wherever the cloud settled, the Israelites encamped” (Num. 9:17). They would always follow the Lord’s presence and know he was protecting them.
We live in a culture that has lost the Sacred Canopy. The canopy represents God’s presence and order in culture. Without this order a society cannot endure. Technology, economics and politics cannot substitute for it. A culture cannot survive on material gains when its spiritual and moral foundations are crumbling. Our culture will only continue to unravel into confusion and conflict.
As followers of the Lord Jesus, we have sure and certain canopy. We reign with Jesus in his kingdom reign. Before Jesus ascended he promised to be with us. “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded up. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matt. 28:18-20).
As men, who are called to provide spiritual protection for those in our family, the question becomes, “Are we under the covering?” The covering provides us with the protection we need. Outside of the covering, we are “open game” for for the power of darkness. A hole will develop in the canopy, allowing for the tactics of the enemy to infiltrate our families.
Men, be sure you humble yourself under the “hand of God.” “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (I Peter 5:6).
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