“The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe” – Proverbs 18:10 KJV
That is a popular bible quote from the scripture. By now everyone knows it by hearth. But there is something important I want to point our attention to here, they are: (1) why running, (2) Who runs, (3) when to run, and (4) where to?
From the above quote, the bible declares that the name of the Almighty God is a strong tower, and that He is able to save.
But due to ignorance of mankind as to this heavenly provision, man sought refuge from different angles believing that what or where he runs to is the ultimate to saving him. How wrong is he!
In this series, titled “STRONG TOWER” I will try to explain above identifiable questions from the scripture and I hope your spirit man would derive maximum benefit as you read on.
Why must we run when there appears to be nothing chasing us? Why must everyone join this race when it appears we have no need to participate? What is the compelling force or reasoning adduced to joining the race?
Brethren, consider the bible passage in Romans 3:23 KJV “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” Does that mean anything to you? Do you thing that only some sects of people are addressed here? Do you thing the scripture is not applicable to you and that you are exempted? Let me ask you a question. Where did you come from? Am not asking for the name of your town on this planet earth, neither do I ask for the name of your family. Can you now guess what I am asking for? Well, if you don’t know the answer by now. Then I want you to take a stock of your life, ask your neighbor if he/she can help you answer the question.
The reason why you cannot answer this simple question is that you are still running, howbeit, in the wrong direction! And where you are running to, you cannot tell. Again, there is a veil that is still covering your eyes, preventing you from seeing or knowing answers to the question that I asked you, sin. How long or how far can you run? Only time will tell. But that time may be running out on you. This week, some people were drinking and dancing in a pub at Glasgow, United Kingdom on 29th November 2013, one helicopter chooses their pub as a perfect location to land! What a disaster. Those who lost their lives in that ugly incidence never planned to die that fateful day. Some left wives, children, and loved ones at home and promised to return, but never return to them.
Understand this, everyone is running because of sin. Let us take the heavenly provision today: salvation from Jesus Christ. He is faithful and just to pardon us all. Have a blessed day even as we continue in this journey called “THE STRONG TOWER”
Everyone desires success in life. Everyone desires a higher ground, and no one wants to be left behind. The propensity to succeed drives man to run, but to where? The answers to this would come shortly. But back to the question of who runs first. People have said that the word is controlled by two forces: God and Satan. Depending on your understanding, notwithstanding, ignoring these forces or pretend to assume that they do not exist is at your own peril. In Job 1:7, Satan said that he was going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it. Have you asked yourself what was Satan looking for? The answer to this is found in 1 Peter 5:8 and says “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour”.
In summary, the desire to escape the rampaging forces of Satan makes man runs. Now if you are running, you need to know where you are running to. The greatest problem is that many people do not know where to seek for refuge when running. Some runs and keep running till they leave this world without knowing why they are running. May you discover why you are running in good time.
There are three categories of people that are running: Some knows why they are running, some are not aware that they are running, while the third category of the people pretends that nothing can make them run, and yet they are running! Well, my prayer for such people is that may they discover the truth about themselves in good time. While running, man engages much labour and become heavily laden. What a pity!
In Matthew 11:28, Jesus Christ said that “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest”. This is an open invitation available till now, and even till the end of time. Have you considered that open offer? It will not cost you anything to take the officer, but everything to gain. Well, you think your position in the religion you are is an obstacle or hindrance, are you looking at your position in the society as an obstacle to you considering the offer, or you just think the invitation is not applicable to you? I sincerely urge you to consider the officer. One thing is clear, you will go to the grave alone, and only you will face the consequences of your inability to take the offer today. See you tomorrow.
Man would not seek for help unless a compelling or greater force dictates to the contrary. Very few people knew Jesus Christ without pressure from the enemy. The question is this: why must we be chased by the enemy before we run to Jesus Christ to save us? Many people discovered salvation out of challenges and problems in their lives. Others procrastinate and treat salvation of their souls with levity and utmost unimportant issue. Some would wait for unexplainable calamity to befall them before they run to Jesus Christ for help. Is this the way to go? Is this the best time to run for cover or protection from God? Is this in itself ideal or the right time?
Enemy has turned some people to punching bags before they realize that they have a father who is able to deliver them from all oppressions of the devil. Unfortunately others never discover, and sadly will never.
The best time to run to Jesus Christ is now. Depending on your state, either at peace or constantly facing the battle of life. The time is now. Take action.
When to run is a function of time only, i.e. now. The bible declares in Isaiah 55:6 -7 “Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: 7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon”.
From the above bible passages, it is abundantly clear that at some point in our lives, the Almighty God is much nearer to us than at another time (this is a subject of other discussions). For now, let us focus on where to run to for help. Let us focus on when to run for safety from the fiery darts of the wicked. Let us focus on gaining upper hands from the battles that make us run. But above all, let us focus on where to run to for our salvation.
Proverbs 18:10 KJV, the main bible passage for our discussions, says that the name of the Lord is a strong tower, and the righteous runs into it and is saved. There is a caveat or condition attached to this before one can be saved, be righteous. Therefore not just everyone would be saved by this “strong tower”.
How can you be righteous when you consistently refuse to accept the provision offered by this same Almighty God? You cannot refuse his offer and yet expect him to keep you under his protection. In John 3:16 – 18, the bible declared that “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God” - KJV.
The bible quotes above were not meant to scare you but to let you know that you must accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and savior before seeking for protection from God the Father. You chew meat while there are teeth in your mouth. Today is your day.
