STRONG TOWER
Think of a name. Perhaps someone you respect, like Abraham Lincoln. Or a man as vile as Adolph Hitler. No matter who we focus on, whenever we say someone’s name, their personal qualities instantly spring to mind. Their name represents their character.
The same is true with the name of the Lord. Consider Proverbs 18:10. “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.” In ancient times, the primary defense against an enemy was city walls. Those living in the country often built towers in their fields. If an enemy approached, one could run to his tower and climb up inside, where he had a stash of weapons. He could easily hold off a band of ruffians, picking them off one at a time. Like that strong tower, we can run to God for protection. Speaking God’s name can bring us power and deliverance. But there’s a deeper aspect to God’s name. His name is a strong tower because of everything his name represents—the nature and character behind his name.
Likewise, the name of Jesus is a strong tower to protect and deliver us. He said, “Come [or “run”, BC] to me” (Matthew 11:28). Then he tells us why. “I am gentle and humble in heart” (v. 29). This is the only place in scripture where Jesus describes his character: “gentle and humble.” That’s what the name of the Lord represents, and it’s why we run to him in times of trouble.
Gentle and humble. Those qualities are a strong tower when we face adversity. The four gospels are immersed in Christ’s gentleness and humility. As he stood at his friend’s tomb, John 11:35 states “Jesus wept.” Matthew 9:36 records, “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” Jesus wept over Jerusalem crying, “How often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings” (Matthew 23:37). It’s safe to say there’s never been anyone more gentle and humble than our Lord.
Those qualities are such a strong tower during times of grief. On our worst days, when we’ve wept so much our tear ducts are dry, the name of the Lord—his character and nature—is a strong tower. We can run to him and be safe, because he is “gentle and humble in heart.”
Principle: We can run to God in times of trouble because he is our strong tower.
Ponder:
When have you experienced God as your strong tower?
What difficulties are you currently facing? How can you run to God to receive help?
Pursue: For a deeper dive study Matthew 11:25-30.
Prayer: Loving Jesus, thank you for being my strong tower. I’m blessed to run to you in times of trouble, for you are gentle and humble.
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