Cut Off

September 26

(Psalm 118:8-13 NIV) “It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man. {9} It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes. {10} All the nations surrounded me, but in the name of the Lord I cut them off. {11} They surrounded me on every side, but in the name of the Lord I cut them off. {12} They swarmed around me like bees, but they died out as quickly as burning thorns; in the name of the Lord I cut them off. {13} I was pushed back and about to fall, but the Lord helped me.”

(Romans 11:17-23 NIV) “If some of the branches have been broken off, and you, though a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing sap from the olive root, {18} do not boast over those branches. If you do, consider this: You do not support the root, but the root supports you. {19} You will say then, "Branches were broken off so that I could be grafted in." {20} Granted. But they were broken off because of unbelief, and you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant, but be afraid. {21} For if God did not spare the natural branches, he will not spare you either. {22} Consider therefore the kindness and sternness of God: sternness to those who fell, but kindness to you, provided that you continue in his kindness. Otherwise, you also will be cut off. {23} And if they do not persist in unbelief, they will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again.”

The author of Psalm 118 knew who to trust in times of peril. No form of earthly protection can match the Lord our God. No one can provide security for us like God does. When our enemies surround us, the Lord cuts them off. The Lord is our Help and Shield. Being cut off by the Lord is a fearful thing. We can be cut off when we pursue and attack those who are called and blessed by God. We can be cut off when we persist in rebellion against God’s will. It is foolish to stand against that which God has ordained. When God has spoken and we do not believe His word, we end up among those who “persist in unbelief”. This can place our soul in jeopardy. Persisting in unbelief has only one remedy… repentance. We must cease our unbelief, and trust in the Lord. We must believe God or risk being cut off. Don’t go there! -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day