Preserved!

Preserved!

Proverbs 18:10 AMPC

[10] The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the [consistently] righteous man [upright and in right standing with God] runs into it and is safe, high [above evil] and strong.

In a world that is increasingly becoming broken and unsafe, the words of the verse above is timely and relevant to our present generation. Nations have invested in many highgrade and tactical weaponry, whilst individuals and communities have also set up high fences, guard men and dogs and even physical and metaphysical weapons; yet, all these have not really made the world safer, because it is not so much the display of strength or power that guarantees safety, but the presence of the One called the strong tower. The message in the verse above is for us: there is a provision for true safely, and like all things that God does, there is also a precondition for access to that provision, as well as a predetermined conclusion or result that is linked to the provision. I will do well to study and personalise the message behind the provision, and be sure that the current pattern of my life will grant me access to all that God has provided.

The provision is the name of the Lord. It is as simple as that. There is a name that has been given to men by which men are saved. It does not matter what has gone before, or the mess that is currently in place; God provides me with a name that is a strong tower. Amongst many other uses, towers are generally built to be strategic as a point of look out, to ensure that danger is spotted before it gets too close. That is a defence strategy. It is also a point of communication, where the one on the lookout can pass on a message on required action, in order to secure the city in which the tower has been built. As also seen in the story of Abimelek who went to attack the city of Thebez, a tower can also be a point of launching an attack, where a woman dropped an upper millstone on his head, leading to his death. The name of the Lord does all these and much more. It is not just a tower, but a strong one. It is a name, which means I can call on it, and the One who bears the name will answer. 

This is why the precondition for access is also important. The verse says the righteous runs into it. It is important to review my life and be sure that it aligns with the condition for access. It is the righteous that is able to run into it and be truly safe. Those who are yet to trust in that name will not run. Those who do not know what they have been given will not run. For all who have come to trust in the One who can truly keep safe, the end result is that they are truly kept safe, and from evil too. I cannot keep myself safe from the evils of this present generation, because my knowledge is limited. I cannot, with any degree of certainty, know what is coming. All God has asked me to do is RUN into Him. Do not hesitate; do not delay; do not wait for anyone, or for favourable weather. He takes me as I come to Him, and then secures my life both for the present time and for eternity. Who else could secure that for me? What scheme of man can deliver eternal life with God to me? The offer is made; the tower is prepared. Would you run into it? God's time of favour is here.