In the Christian Science Bible Lesson December 9, 2013 Issue

Always under His wings

For the Lesson titled “God the Preserver of Man” from December 9 - 15, 2013

Steve Warren

In this week’s Lesson, titled “God the Preserver of Man,” we are presented with the comforting truth that the originating source of life is also the same power that preserves life. Popular thought credits nutrition, exercise, hygiene, medicine, and genetics as the preservers of man, but Christian Science affirms that the creator Himself, divine Principle, God, holds man’s life eternally under His wings, where “No weapon formed against you shall prosper” (Isaiah 54:17, Responsive Reading). The 91st Psalm further assures us of this life-preserving power, “There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways” (Psalms 91:10, 11, citation 2).

As we put our whole heart’s trust in what Mary Baker Eddy calls “the sustaining infinite” (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. vii, cit. 6), we are kept in all our ways. That same sustaining power preserved the lives of Hagar and her son Ishmael. Even though Sarah ordered Hagar and Ishmael banished rather than allowing Ishmael to be co-heir with her son Isaac, subsequent events proved Ishmael no less worthy of preservation than Isaac when the Lord promised, “I will make him [Ishmael] a great nation” (Genesis 21:18, cit. 6).

Healing is preservation. In Section III, Jesus asks if it is lawful on the Sabbath “to save [preserve] life, or to kill?” (Mark 3:4, cit. 9). He proceeds, in fearless violation of perceived Hebrew law, to heal the man with the withered hand, thus demonstrating the higher mercy of God’s preserving law over man’s merciless and mistaken law that would forbid such a restorative act. Mrs. Eddy explains, “… Jesus demonstrated Life, never fearing nor obeying error in any form” (Science and Health, p. 244, cit. 13).