Proverbs 30:29-31
There are three things which are stately in their march,
Even four which are stately when they walk:
The lion which is mighty among beasts
And does not retreat before any,
The strutting rooster, the male goat also,
And a king when his army is with him.
This verse always makes me smile. The lion, the rooster and the goat have no problem strutting their stuff! Nobody makes the lion retreat… But the human, even a king, needs his army behind him.
Maybe the king knows the old proverb that says “There is safety in numbers.” And he feels safe when he is surrounded by men who are under his command.
What makes you feel safe?
Safe enough to strut your stuff like a lion…
Before you answer, consider your frame of reference.
If you are limiting yourself to the finite universe, you might consider that intentional harm may be done to you by the very people you feel safe with. Or from an enemy that is stronger or sneakier than those that are with you. And even if all of that is under control, you could still be harmed by accident. Life is fragile.
The name of the LORD is a strong tower;
The righteous runs into it and is safe.
~Proverbs 18:10
If you open your mind beyond the cosmos, to include the existence of Almighty God, if you open your heart to His unseen presence, you will find no safety in numbers any more. Your only assurance of safety is in Him.
God doesn’t make mistakes. He does not have accidents. His word is true, even if it makes every man a liar. He is 100% sovereign. And He needs no army with Him to be stately.
The majesty and glory of His name will be proclaimed throughout endless ages. And the evil one cannot snatch you out of His hand.
So, is there safety in numbers?
Only if God is counted among your number. He is all you need.
In peace I will both lie down and sleep,
For Thou alone, O LORD,
dost make me to dwell in safety.
~Psalm 4:8
May God grant you a heart of wisdom!
Worship by Numbers
Ramona Denton
There is no safety in numbers, or in anything else.
~James Thurber
