Pastor Ponderings #191: Covered

Have you ever found yourself in a pickle where you couldn’t be in two places at once or

where unforeseen circumstances interrupted your plans? Each situation needs attention, but you can’t supply both. What is one to do?! At just the moment all seems lost, a knight in shining armor steps forth and says, “I’ve got you covered!” Well, there aren’t many armored knights around these days, but we all appreciate those who have come to our aid in these times of need.

Perhaps an important project was due and you happened to get sick the night before. A co-worker steps up and covers for you. Have you ever put in the spring garden when a late chance for frost appears? You cover the tender plants to avoid damage. Maybe like me, you’ve had a hefty bill due just before your paycheck comes in. I called in to explain and the company gave me understanding and two-week grace period. Phew, covered again.

Psalm 91:4 He shall cover you with His feathers, And under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler.

How often has the Lord covered for you? I remember a treacherous, snow-covered road with steep grades, sharp curves and our truck sliding directly for a bank. We were already bracing ourselves when we suddenly stopped just before impact. It was as though the Lord or His angel had put forth His hand to prevent what seemed to be a certain outcome. That time I noticed. How oft has His protective or providing hand gone unnoticed? Then, of course, there is the covering of our sin.

Proverbs 28:13 He who covers his sins will not prosper, But whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy. Psalm 32:1 Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, Whose sin is covered.

The preceding verses seem to contradict each other. The confusion lies in who does the covering for sin. If we as sinners attempt to make excuses for our poor behavior or try to hide our guilt, we will have no success. We’re warned in advance that our sin will find us out, and again, that one day all will be revealed. The second passage also refers to covered sin, but not covered by the sinner. These sins have been exposed, repented of and forgiven by the Lord. This is the covering we so desperately need, available to all who believe that Jesus’ blood was shed for our cleansing.

1 Peter 4:8 And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.”

It was the love of God the motivated the gift of His Son to a sinful world. It was the love of the Son to the Father that saw Jesus through the suffering and shame. Such love is a compelling force in the Christian heart and mind. This covering love of Jesus put on display for the world is to be mirrored by His children.

Curled in a ball in bed

Blanket tucked around my head

After bedtime prayers are said

Covered