APRIL 16
Psalm 76:7, “But you, you are to be feared! Who can stand before you?”
In Psalm 76, Asaph praises God’s power and judgment. From His dwelling place in Zion, God defeats the enemies of His people, breaking their weapons and establishing peace (Psalm 76:2-3). He alone is to be feared and revered because He judges righteously, humbling the proud and defending the defenseless. As the Divine Warrior, He brings justice and delivers His people, proving that no enemy can stand against Him.
This truth was vividly displayed in the life of John Paton (1824–1907), a missionary who dedicated himself to bringing the Gospel to the New Hebrides, a remote island chain in the South Pacific. Knowing that previous missionaries had been killed and eaten by cannibalistic tribes, Paton still felt called by God to risk everything to reach the unreached.
Early in his ministry on the island of Tanna, Paton experienced a miraculous display of God’s protection. One night, hostile tribesmen surrounded his home, preparing to kill him and his wife. With no means of escape, they did the only thing they could—they prayed fervently for God’s intervention. To their astonishment, the attack never came. Years later, after the chief of the tribe became a Christian, Paton asked why they had not been killed that night. The chief revealed that his warriors had seen hundreds of “glowing” men with swords encircling the house. Terrified, they fled.
This incredible account mirrors the theme of Psalm 76—God as the Divine Warrior, mighty in battle and faithful to defend His own. Just as He shattered the weapons of Israel’s enemies, He protected Paton in his moment of greatest danger. As Romans 8:31 declares, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” Under the protection of the Almighty Warrior, those who fear God need not fear anything or anyone else.
“The God of angel armies is always by my side.”—Chris Tomlin
Application Questions: Though unaware at the time, John Paton was being protected by God from an imminent threat. Translate his experience into your own. Give thanks to God that He is more than able to safeguard you from all enemies you might face.
LookingtoJesus 