A Threefold Delivery

The salvation of the righteous is from the LORD; He is their stronghold in the time of trouble. The LORD helps them and delivers them; He delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in Him.
PSALM 37:39-40
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A Threefold Delivery
What a rich promise, what a great consolation, what an abundant admonition, if only we trust and believe! First, God helps them in the very midst of evil. He does not leave them lying there but stands by them, strengthens them, and preserves them. Secondly, He not only helps them but delivers them and enables them to escape. For the precise meaning of this Hebrew word is "to escape misfortune and to get away from it." And as a vexation to the wicked he mentions them by name and says: "He delivers them from the wicked." They may not like it; but their rage will not do them a bit of good, though they believe that the righteous man will not escape them and will surely be destroyed. Thirdly, He not only delivers them but goes right on helping them, so that they do not remain in any trouble, no matter when it comes. And He does all this because they have trusted in Him.

From Four Psalms of Comfort, on Psalm 37 (Luther's Works 14:228)
May 25
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