KEPT BY THE POWER OF GOD

Kept By The Power of God 

By Anna Darlene Edmondson

“… but that You should keep them from the evil one.” (John 17:15 NKJV)

Often, a variety of overused words become quite common, causing them to lose rich meaning. Take for instance ‘kept’. It’s believed we get the word ‘kept’ from an ascended overlook building during the Middle Ages. Fourteenth century scholars considered ‘the keep’ a necessary stronghold used in wartime strategy. Keeps were fortified hidden residences with a secret compartment that became a refuge of last resort, should the castle fall into enemy hands.

Before Jesus died on the cross He prayed for the disciples and all who would believe because of their teachings. “I pray that they all will be one, just as You and I are one” (John 17:21). 

We see here, eternal life comes by knowing the Source of all life, God. Early believers in the first century were constantly bombarded with countless persecutions: beaten, slandered, sawn in two, stoned, destitute, scourged, chained, slain with the sword of whom the world was not worthy (Hebrews 11:36-38). 

That’s why Peter’s first epistle instructed Christ followers to rejoice, even in times of great tribulation. Peter encouraged the elect that the Savior had risen from the dead to protect them and give them a living hope “…who are kept by the power of God through faith…” (1Peter 3:5a NKJV)

Here’s my point: nothing can separate us from the love of God. 

Nothing can snatch us out of His almighty hand (John 10:28). 

We are secure in Him and Him alone. 

The Psalmist teaches that our help comes from the Lord. We rest assured in the promises…’the one who keeps you will not slumber nor sleep…He keeps you from evil…keeps your life forevermore’ (Psalm 121).