“You have given me the shield of your salvation, and your gentleness made me great” (II Samuel 22:36)

This week’s verse is part of a psalm David wrote in thanksgiving to God for giving him victory over his enemies, namely the Philistines and his predecessor, the wicked King Saul. David, the Scriptures tell us, was a man of war, which is why God did not permit him to build the temple in Jerusalem. That honor was reserved for the king of peace, Solomon.

Being a man of war, David did not have much experience in dealing in gentleness. From a young age, David fought battle after battle to secure peace for the people of God. War is not a time to exercise gentleness. But we also know from David’s very first victory—his defeat of the Philistine giant, Goliath, that it was God who fought for Israel and gave victory to His people.

This is how God is. He is a Man of war when it comes to fighting against His enemies. He is a jealous God, punishing the children for the sins of the fathers to the third and fourth generation (Exodus 20:5-6). When He comes on the day of judgment, none will stand before Him who insisted on their own way.

But God is also gentle. Consider the most beloved of the Psalms—Psalm 23, where God is compared to a shepherd who gently tends His flock, even defending them from the dangers in this valley of the shadow of death. Jesus takes that image for Himself in John 10. He says that the Good Shepherd is the one who knows His sheep, and they follow His voice as He leads them to good pasture, even as He fights the wolves that seek to prey on His flock.

That’s the image David sings of here in II Samuel 22:36. God is our shield, as He gathers His flock under the protection of His saving hand. He gives Himself to us as a loving and gentle God, who provides for all our needs of body and soul, all the while defending us from all danger and guarding and keeping us from all evil.

Let us pray: O God, You are our shield and our gentle provider. When I tread the valley of death’s shadow, bid my anxious fears subside. Death of death and hell’s destruction, land me safe on heaven’s side. Songs of praises, songs of praises I will ever give to You. Amen.

Written by: Pastor Jordan McKinley

Kids Only Book Club

3rd, 4th, & 5th Graders

March 28th and April 25th

3:30-4:15 p.m.

Participants must have read one book before each meeting. During the meeting each participant will give a brief book talk about their selection. Keep in mind that the goal of a book talk is to tell enough about the title to encourage fellow participants to read the title, without giving away the ending.

Following the book talks, participants will have time to socialize, make recommendations for future programs, and participate in various group activities.

Snacks will be provided during all meetings. If your child has any food allergies or food related medical conditions, please send a snack with your child.

Great Beginnings Book Club

K-2nd Grade

March 27 and April 24

3:30 to 4:15 p.m.

Children in kindergarten through second grade are invited to participate in this after-school book club that will meet once a month in the library conference room. Participants will read and discuss a book selected by the staff.

Upon completion of the book discussion, participants will engage in different book-related activities. The overall goal of the club is to encourage the participants to discuss and enjoy different kinds of literature. Snacks will be provided during all meetings. If your child has any food allergies or food-related medical conditions, send a snack with your child. Some activities may occur outdoors, weather permitting.

All Parents: Should make arrangements to pick up their children promptly at 4:15 p.m.

If school is canceled due to weather the book club will also be canceled and that meeting will not be rescheduled.