In training for personal defense, instructors teach us the difference between “cover” and “concealment.” “Cover” is their parlance for something that will protect a person from harm, say, from gunfire. “Concealment” has the FEELING of security, but it won’t actually protect; it just hides. If Jack Bauer is taking gunfire from a terrorist and he steps behind a wall made only of drywall, that’s concealment. He can hide there, but it won’t stop bullets. Ducking down behind a row of heavy steel tool boxes filled with wrenches… now that’s true cover for Jack Bauer. :-)

Boarding a flight and putting our trust in a pilot or two on board a flight across the Alps, the airliner might FEEL secure. Maybe there have been thousands of flights in the past week without incident, but all it takes is one depressed co-pilot and one pilot who has to go to the rest room and — bam. We’re toast. (Please pray for the family members left behind after Germanwings Flight 9525’s recent crash, apparently because of a depressed co-pilot’s suicide wish. Pray for healing for all who are hurting.)

In God’s case, the protection he provides isn’t a mirage. It isn’t mere concealment. It’s secure. It’s true cover in the deepest sense of the word. The Old Testament talks about cities of refuge (Deut. 4:41, 19:1-13). But having God as our refuge is all the more secure. As we approach Easter Sunday, it’s worth watching Hillsong’s version of Victor’s Crown

Today, let’s rejoice in our true “cover” — and a chance to follow the one who wears the Victor’s Crown. And let’s make it possible for tribes and ethnic groups everywhere to have a chance to know him and follow him.