The people of Israel often had outside enemies. The genealogy of Esau in Genesis 36 records the increasing numbers and strength of the non-elect line. Chiefs and kings just a land away caused grief to God’s people even when His people were minding their own business within their borders. King David, who eventually defeated and subdued the land of Edom during his reign (2 Samuel 8:13-14), knew many battle songs. He knew what threat felt like, not just triumph.

if it had not been the LORD who was on our side
when people rose up against us,
then they would have swallowed us up alive,
when their anger was kindled against us; We have escaped like a bird
from the snare of the fowlers;
the snare is broken,
and we have escaped!
(Psalm 124:2–3, 7, ESV)

Hope and help is in the name of the LORD who made heaven and earth. Our call to worship reminds us of this relationship every week.

Our communion at the Lord’s Table reminds us of our redemption every week as well. Our enemy is not Canada or Mexico, Russia or Iraq, our enemy is us, our own hearts, our own sin.

If it had not been the Lord who was given as our sacrifice, when guilt rose up against us, we would have been swallowed up alive. We have been delivered like a bird from the trap of temptation, the snare of sin is broken and we have eternal life.

Our help is in the name of the Lord who made His grave with the wicked, who makes an offering for sin, who makes many to be accounted righteous, and who makes intercession for the transgressors. The bread and the wine are for those He’s won to His side.