Run!

Run!

The name of the LORD is a strong tower: The righteous runneth into it, and is safe. Proverbs 18:10 KJV

The Context and Focus:

Again, we consider the words of King Solomon, who the bible records as the wisest man of his time. This won't be a surprise, because it was what he asked God for, and God, as is his custom, gives to his own in line with our requests as they line up with His will. God is not like man, who gives only when it is convenient, or when there is a personal advantage to be gained. With God, who owns all things, and can do all things, there is really nothing new you can give him that he does not already own. The book of Proverbs are full of one-line messages, and today's verse is one of them. We are introduced to the name of the Lord here, and it is instructive to note that 'name' here is singular, not plural. As we know, the bible is full of different names of God, as he chose to reveal Himself to men at different times and in different generations, yet He remains the same at all times. He came to Abraham as the Lord God Almighty, and then introduced himself to Moses and Israel as the I AM. Same God, same name, different manifestations, different revelations. Have I truly met this God? Do I have my own personal encounter with this God? 

The Message:

The name of the Lord is presented here as a strong tower. This is just one of the many ways the name of the Lord is presented to us, as it meets a particular need at a particular point in time in our lives. In this generation where safety is presented as high fences, guard dogs, military might and power, intercontinental missiles and currency might and influence, today's verse makes it clear that all these will be rendered useless on the day of God's visitation. We have seen mighty men rise and fall, and be replaced by even mightier men who still also rose and fell. History has shown us the Egyptian civilisation, as well as the domination of the Greek, Assyrian, Babylonian and Turkish empires, amongst others, yet none stands today in the same might. The weapons and strategies of wars keep changing, yet none can provide lasting peace or security, because none can provide the safety and security available in the name of the Lord. This is the name men and women of old called on, and their lives have become the stories we read today of God's gracious dealings. Do I really know that name?

The Conclusion:

How do I enjoy the benefits of that name? Two things are critical here: the qualifying attitude and the response to the name. The righteous are the ones who are able to run into the grace available in that name. These are people who have come to completely trust in and depend on the Lord for all things. It is not the selective thing that is popular these days, where we commit part of our lives to God and then hold on to other parts. It has to be a total surrender. When you have total trust in God, He takes care of any and every situation you may face. The verse asks me to run. It is not a leisurely stroll, but a running. There are dangers all around, and you just don't know from where and when they come. Don't wait until they threaten or they are almost upon you before you find a place of rest in God. Towers are always higher than any surrounding buildings, because it provides advance notice of whatever is coming. Nothing catches God by surprise, so if I am in Him, whatever I need for whatever is coming will be provided IN and BY Him. I am safe if I am in Him. Where are you? Can the hand of God reach you where you are right now? He waits for us. God's time of favour is here.