A Modern Woman's Perspective On The Kingdom of God on Earth


January 11, 2015

Proverbs 18:10

The name of the Lord is a strong tower.
The righteous runs to it and is safe.


    I am sure that I have noted this Scripture in the past, but I think it warrants repeating at this time.  Christians around the world are experiencing a wide arrange of emotions ... anxiety, outright fear, and overt persecution.  Yet the Apostle Paul tells us that "God has not given us a spirit of fear".  And King Solomon wrote this Proverb to give us wisdom during times such as this; to give us the ability to live a godly life in an ungodly world.
     So how does this wise Scripture instruct us?  First of all, it tells us that the name of the Lord is all that we need.  It is sufficient for our needs.  And He has many names that we know Him by ... LORD (Yahweh, or Jehovah); Adonai (Master); El Roi (The God Who Sees); Jehovah-Rapha (The LORD Who Heals); El Olam (The Everlasting God); Jehovah Jireh (The LORD Will Provide) ... and many more. 
      But what is important is the image Solomon gives us of that Name ... a strong tower.  What a great mental picture!  We can take rest in this tower when we are worn out from the trials of life.  It is a sanctuary when Evil pursues us; where we can be "lifted up" or drawn closer to God.  His Name becomes a fortress against our enemies.  There is enough for us in this tower, and in who we have discovered God to be through all that He has shown us -- both individually, and as the whole Body of Christ -- to provide for us at all times, especially these difficult ones.  
      There is wealth laid up in this tower for us; riches of God's Grace and Mercy and Love -- enough to sustain us for a single moment of tribulation, or for a lifetime.  And this tower is STRONG; constructed with all the attributes of God, as well as His covenant with us, and His promise of Salvation through faith in His Son.  This tower -- a safe refuge for all God's people -- is impenetrable, unconquerable, and unable to be captured or broken into.  
      But it is only a strong tower if we know how to make use of it.  We must be righteous through our faith and our prayer; through our example and devotion to God; and to our total dependence on Him. And we must run into it, for the same reason God established the ancient cities of refuge for those who committed unintentional deaths.  A murderer could flee to this city for refuge from the avenger—the family member charged with avenging the victim’s death (Numbers 35:19)—until the case could go to trial. The congregation would judge to find if the attacker acted unintentionally. If he did, he would return to the city of refuge and live there safely until the death of the high priest who was in office at the time of the trial, at which point he could return to his property. If the attacker left the city of refuge before the death of the high priest, however, the avenger would have the right to kill him.
     These cities of refuge are symbolic of Christ, our High Priest, in whom sinners find a refuge from the destroyer of our souls.  In turn, the tower is representative of our Redeemer, as well.  As long as we remain righteous, abide in Him, and He indwells us, we are safe.  This picture of refuge should give us great comfort.  We should be able to steady our minds from fear; to live above the attacks of this world and the Enemy.  Picture yourself safe inside this tower from the storms raging outside.  It is a warm, and inviting haven; replete with all the sustenance we need for our souls.  I picture "a table prepared for me in the midst of my enemies", and the soft glow of my Savior's presence. So, picture your own strong tower, and wrap yourselves in the only security that will protect you in the day of trouble.  Put your trust in Him, and you will be safe! 

1 comment:

  1. Amen and Amen, Belle! I like to picture myself under His wing - as close as I can get.
    We sang this at church today - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZsRU6-3MTc

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