Come to God Confidently

 

“Come to God Confidently”

HEB. 10:19-22

SUBJECT: AUTHORITY IN PRAYER                                                                               

THEME: Regularly Engaging in Prayer Communication with the Lord Becomes More Inviting When We Review Our God Given Privileges, Authority, and Power in the Light of Our Lord’s Cross. This is How We Begin to Appreciate the Power we Have with God and a Satisfying Relationship with Him.

RELEVANCE: Many believers Have Problems developing intimacy with God because they aren’t sure they belong in the presence of the Lord. They are uncomfortable talking with and approaching God, they wonder and even doubt if He really accepts them.  Not realizing that we are privileged to access God as priests can greatly hinder any hope of true openness and boldness in approaching the throne of grace.  We must understand that we are not merely tolerated in His presence, but we are ushered in by Jesus Christ and have a right to be there because of His cross and blood sacrifice.  Therefore, without any reservations we should freely come to our heavenly Father with complete confidence in the finish work of Christ.  It’s not our merits that afford us access to God, but Christ’s cross! 

INTRODUCTION:

1.    The Blood of Christ Has Been Ridiculed and Degraded Much in Recent Years. Reduced to the significance of human blood and stripped of its true glory, import, power, and vitality.  But when we look at Scripture, even at a glance we can clearly see that the blood of Jesus Christ lays the foundation for our redemption and all the inheritance we enjoy as believers.  Truly Jesus paid it all and all to Him we owe! 

2.    The Word of God teaches that the death and the blood of Christ were essential to salvation. The O.T. sacrifices depicted how God's Son, Jesus Christ, would pay the price for our sin (Heb. 9-10; 1 Pet. 1:18-19). Jesus' death alone could not save us; His blood was required.  In Rom. 5:9-10 we see the two together. Verse 9 says we are justified "by his blood," and v. 10 says we are reconciled "by his death."   Leviticus chapters 1-9 describe the Old Testament sacrifices, which depicted Christ's one atoning Sacrifice.  In Leviticus 1-9 the word "death" is mentioned 22 times, whereas the word "blood" is mentioned 44 times. Again, we see that BOTH “blood” and “death” were required for the atonement of Christ.

MESSAGE:

I.               Recount the Benefits We Have Because of the Blood of Christ.

A. What Does Jesus' Blood Do for the Believer?

 * Justifies us as repentant sinners (Ro. 5:9).

 * Unifies believers in sweet communion (1 Co. 10:16).

 * Provides eternal redemption and forgiveness (Ep. 1:7; 1 Pe. 1:18,19; He. 9:12).

 * Grants believers peace with God (Col. 1:20).

 * Purges our conscience and inward life (He. 9:14).

 * Sanctifies us (He. 13:12).

 * Cleanses from all sin (1 Jn. 1:7).

 * Frees from sins (Re. 1:5).

 * Gives victory over Satan (Re. 12:11).

 * Brings us near to God (Ep. 2:13).

 * Grants access into God's presence (He. 10:19).

Certainly the significance of the blood of Jesus Christ is greatly upheld in the Word of the Living God.  It is the carnal, arrogant, and sinful mind that concludes anything less then these things.  The blood secures for us access to God among so many other vital blessings!

B. We Have Some Unique Honors Like Prayer!

No old covenant worshiper would have been bold enough to try to enter the holy of holies in the tabernacle. Even the high priest entered the holy of holies only once a year. The thick veil that separated the holy place from the holy of holies was a barrier between people and God. Only the death of Christ could tear that veil (Mark 15:38) and open the way into the heavenly sanctuary where God dwells.  Prayer is one of the many privileges afforded to believers through the blood of Christ.

II. Pray Like a Priest with Unique Privileges (Heb. 10:19-25).

Hebrews 10:19, Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,

Hebrews 10:21-22, And having an high priest over the house of God; [22] Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

A.  Come To Your Heavenly Father with Complete Confidence.

   1.  Because of Confidence in Your High Priest.

Jesus Christ is our High Priest, and every believer is a priest to offer the sacrifice of praise to God through Him.   Hebrews 13:15 says, “By him [Jesus Christ] therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.” Not merely entering God’s presence and then leaving, but actually living and dwelling there “continually”.

   2.  Because of Confidence in Your Personal Escort.

Through Christ, the believer is ushered into God's very presence. What a marvelous escort!

Ephes. 3:12, In whom [Jesus Christ] we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.

Ephes. 2:18-19, For through him [Jesus Christ] we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. [19] Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;

The word "access" pictures being presented to a king in his throne room.  Or even like a Father who walks the isle with the young bride and presents her to the groom at the altar.  The One we come to see is not only the King but "the Father"—the One who has adopted us as his very own children (Rom 8:15; Gal 4:6). There is no reason at all for a child of God to shy away from the throne of their heavenly Father.  In fact, to do so is an act of doubting the completeness of Christ blood sacrifice for our sin. 

   3.  Because of Confidence in the Holy Spirit.

Christ provides the access to the Father by the Holy Spirit, who helps us when we pray (Eph 2:18; Rom 8:26-27). All believers have direct access to God through Christ by means of the Holy Spirit. This "access" refers to God's presence and power as well as to the blessings of His kingdom. Because of Christ, all believers can "come boldly unto the throne of grace" (Heb 4:16).

B.  Boldly Enter the Holiest of All! Heb. 10:19-20

The passage declares the superiority of Christ and the salvation He offers. 

   1.  Because We Have Direct Access to God.

Perhaps it was through understanding what the Old Testament worshiper could not do, that we would began to appreciate what the NT worshiper can do. We have become so accustomed to our privileges that we fail to realize their importance and literally take them for granted.

NOTE: “The Holiest” (Heb. 10:19; Heb 9:12). 

    * Was the most sacred inner room in the tabernacle and the temple.

class=WordSection2>

    * Was where only the high priest was allowed to go.

    * Was separated from the rest of the temple worship area by a sacred veil or curtain.

    * It Represented the visible presence of God in all His power and holiness.  

    * It Contained the ark of the covenant, covered by the sacred mercy seat (Ex. 25:10–22).

    * It was entered Once a year on the Day of Atonement.

    * Only the high priest entered the Most Holy Place with sacrificial blood and made atonement before God for the sins of the people (Leviticus 16).   — (From “Holy Place,” Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary) 

APPLICATION: Because of Jesus Christ every single believer is a priest with the privilege of entering the presences of God AS OFTEN AS WE NEED OR WOULD LIKE TO. The veil of Christ’s flesh has been rent and the way to God flung wide open for every believer without any exception.  We can confidently enter the presence of God without any fear because of the cross of Jesus Christ our great High Priest!  We don’t need a human earthly priest, you are one! We do not merely enter an earthly temple; you enter Heaven itself and make your appeal directly to God in the thrown of grace. You have direct access to God at anytime, in any place, under all conditions and circumstances.

  2.  Because of the Complete Payment for Sin.  Heb. 10:12-18

Hebrews 10:14, For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.

We can approach God and enjoy intimate communication with Him when we recognize that our sin has been completely paid for by the one ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ.  When we compare Christ’s payment for sin with that of the OT, we discover that there are many sin reminders, but only one sin remover according to Heb 10:1-18. Note these important facts:

      A.  Moses’ Sacrifices Were Sin Reminders, Not Sin Removers.  (Heb. 10:1-4)

 The fact that they had to be offered continually proves that they could never totally remove sin. The best they could do is be a continual reminder of that sin (Heb.10:3; see Rom 3:20).

      B.  Christ’s One Sacrifice Removed All Sin Forever for Believers.  (Heb. 10:5-10)

But Christ's body, offered once for all, can remove all sin for all time, for those who believe.

      C.  Christ’s Sacrificial Work is Finished and Complete.  (Heb. 10:11-14)

OT priests stood while performing their duties, for their work was never done.

           1.  Christ is Seated Because He is Finish.

But Christ, having offered the perfect sacrifice once for all, is seated at God's right hand.

           2.  Christ Has Installed the New Covenant.

With the New Covenant in place because of Christ's death, there is no more need for offerings for sin (Heb. 10:15-18; see Jer 31:31-34).

      D.  Christ’s Sacrifice Perfects/Completes and Sanctifies the Believer.

Christ's death "perfected" or sanctified, once for all, "them that are sanctified" (Heb. 10:14). Sanctification is both an accomplished fact and an ongoing process:

           1.  All Who Accept Christ's Death on Their Behalf Are Sanctified in His Sight (see Heb. 2:11; 10:10; John 17:17,19; 1 Cor 1:2,30; 6:9-11; Eph 5:25-26; 1 Thess 5:23).

           2.  But Sanctification Is Also a Growth Process in Which We Are to Take an Active Part (see Heb. 2:11; Lev 19:2; Rom 6:19; 1 Thess 4:1-7; 2 Tim 2:21; 1 Peter 1:15).

APPLICATION: Because the payment for our sin is complete we can boldly enter the “holiest of all,” the very presence of God, without any fear of rejection or judgment. Christ sacrifice has made this possible, this is our privilege as believers.  God views us as “sanctified”—set apart for Him and His purposes!

   3.  Because of the Precious Blood of Christ.  Heb. 10:19, “enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus”

A gracious invitation is found in these familiar verses (vv. 19-25). "Let us draw near... Let us hold fast . . . Let us consider one another." This threefold invitation hinges on our boldness to enter into the holiest.

     A.  Enter Fully into the Reality of Your Salvation (Heb.10:19-23).

Heb. 10:19, “boldness to enter into the holiest”

             1. Entrance Through the Blood. Through his death on our behalf, we have confidence to enter the sanctuary by the blood of Jesus.

             2. Admission Through the Blood.  The word "enter" means admission, authorization for access. The price paid for our salvation gives us authority or a right to enter the presence of a thrice holy God!  Believers have access to the heavenly sanctuary; that is, they have free access to God any time and anywhere.

ILLUSTRATION: It’s much like southern hospitality.  Years ago, in the southern US people really pride themselves on making their guests feel completely at home. They would encourage a visitor to remove his shoes and sit and visit a while. They would prepare a little something special in the way of a meal or snack to accommodate their guest.  They might even keep a little something set aside in anticipation of a guest. Another interesting aspect of southern hospitality was the way they readily invited their guests into the home upon their arrival.  If someone knocked at the door, they would not go and answer it, but simply say “Come on in, the door is open!”  If the individual was especially intimate with the family, all they had to do was simply walk on in without even knocking or ringing the doorbell. They were just like the rest of the family; therefore, the door was always open to them. In other words when we enter the presence of the Lord in Heaven, it’s just like God has already said “Come on in the door is open to you permanently!” Why wait for a special invitation when you are a part of the family and belong there.                 

B.  Encourage Other Believers to Do the Same (Heb.10:24-25).

Again, this boldness (freedom to speak, license, and authority) rests on the finished work of the Savior’s blood sacrifice.

Hebrews 9:12-15, Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. [13] For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: [14] How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? [15] And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.

1 Peter 1:18-19,  Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; [19] But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:  

On the Day of Atonement, the high priest could not enter the holy of holies unless he had the blood of the sacrifice (Heb 9:7). But our entrance into God's presence is not because of an animal's blood, but because of Christ's shed blood. 

APPLICATION: Our priest has entered with His own blood, let us follow Him beyond the veil! It is a wonderful thing to enter the presence of God with the reassurance that others are taking our specific need before Him also.  The Father on His throne will hear our prayers as we band together to cry out to Him.  Our cries will come up on the east, west, north, and south side of His throne as we all cry out together in concerted prayer.  We are not left to trust God alone, nor to feel isolated in our prayer ministry. What a means of encouragement prayer ministry could be to us all.  And it’s our privilege because of the blood of Christ!

 

God’s Superior Messenger (Part 1)

 

Lesson Two

God’s Superior Messenger

Hebrews 1:4-6

 

Theme: Christ is Superior to the Angels as God’s Spokesman and Revealer (1:4). 

Therefore, we must seriously listen to Him, carefully obey His counsel, and diligently nurture the great salvation we have in Him.

 

Reflection

Begin your study by sharing thoughts on this question.

1.      Think of a time when you were given an extremely important message.  Did you feel impressed to remember it all and pass it on exactly as you received it?  Would it matter if the messenger was a dear friend or perhaps a king? What if it came from an angel? Or from God?

Errol Flynn swashbuckled his way through a Hollywood version of The Adventures of Robin Hood in 1938. In that film, the part of Little John was played by a fine actor named Alan Hale. Hale's Little John was a jolly version of Robin's husky sidekick, but unfortunately you can't picture him because Alan Hale is unfamiliar to most people today.

Wait a minute. Yes, you can picture Alan Hale's Little John because you know what his son looks like, and Alan Hale, Jr., is the spitting image of his father. Picture the Skipper from “Gilligan's Island.” Do you have him in your mind's eye? Dress the Skipper in Sherwood Forest garb and you have Alan Hale's Little John—same build, same smile, same face and hair. Like father; like son.

Do you want to know what God is like? No one has ever seen Him; in fact, no one can look at God and live. However, God sent His Son into the world to make a sacrifice for the sins of mankind. In the time Jesus lived on earth He demonstrated exactly what His Father is like. Then when the apostles explained the life and ministry of Jesus in the New Testament writings, they further clarified what the Father is like. The letter to the Hebrews begins with this important idea about revelation. (From Max Anders)

 

Bible Reading

Read Hebrews 1:4–2:4.

*Jesus as the Son of God is the Father’s Superior Messenger (1:4-8).

*Jesus as the Sovereign God-King is the Father’s Superior Messenger (1:8-14)

*Therefore we had better listen carefully to Him and nurture our salvation (2:1-4).

In these majestically constructed opening statements, Hebrews introduces us to the surpassing greatness of the Lord Jesus Christ. The Son, it declares, is the par excellence vehicle for divine revelation. In asserting this, he explicitly contrasted Him with the angels.

God’s revelation in the Son has a definitive quality which previous revelation lacked. Moreover the sacrifice for sins which such a One makes must necessarily be greater than other kinds of sacrifices. Finally the Son’s greatness makes preoccupation with angelic dignities entirely unnecessary. –Walvoord, John F.  

The comprehensive revelation of God in the Son is definitive—final, authoritative, precise, and exhaustive! Christ’s message is not provisional, nor tentative, but perfect, complete, and ultimate.  Such a realization demands our undivided attention and our most diligent and concerted response.  This is the primary emphasis in this first section of Hebrews.

 

Discovery

2.      What does this passage teach about angels?

a.      Angel (Gk. angelos, ‘messenger’), a spiritual being, subordinate to God, who serves at God’s command and pleasure to deliver his messages, help his people, and punish his enemies. –Harper's Bible Dictionary

b.      Angel — a member of an order of heavenly beings who are superior to human beings in power and intelligence. By nature angels are spiritual beings (Heb. 1:14). Their nature is superior to human nature (Heb. 2:7), and they have superhuman power and knowledge (2 Sam. 14:17, 20; 2 Pet. 2:11). They are not, however, all-powerful and all-knowing (Ps. 103:20; 2 Thess. 1:7). –Nelson's New Illustrated Bible Dictionary

c.      Angels were most important in the Jewish religion, primarily because thousands of angels assisted in the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai. This fact is stated in Deuteronomy 33:2 (where “saints” means “holy ones” or “angels”); Psalm 68:17; Acts 7:53; and Galatians 3:19.

                                                    i.     Since the theme of Hebrews is the superiority of Christ and His salvation to the Law of Moses, we must deal with the important subject of angels (Col. 1:16 Heb. 1:14; 12:22, 23; Neh. 9:6; Psa. 104:4; 2Pet. 2:11; Psa. 103:20; Rev. 20:2,10; Jude 9; 1 Thess. 4:16; 1Pet. 3:22).

                                                  ii.     Today we will study two of three long sections on angels. First, the superiority of Christ to the angels is affirmed by Scripture (Heb. 1:4–14).  Second, we are admonished to pay careful attention to the Word of God given through His Son (Heb. 2:1–4).   

 

3.      What is the relationship of Jesus to angels?

a.      Jesus is Inherently Superior to Angels (Heb. 1:4).

                                                    i.     The proof is Jesus’ inherent and acquired superiority to angels (1:4).

1.      The acquired superiority results from His resurrection, ascension, and exaltation as Lord and Christ. In incarnation He was made for a little while lower than the angels for the suffering of death (2:9). But God has exalted Him and enthroned Him in highest glory.

His inherent superiority has to do with His eternal relationship as Son of God. The more excellent name is the name of Son. –MacDonald, William

2.      The Son was “made so much better than the angels.” This infers that at one time He was “lower than the angels” (2:7, 9, 16). Certainly Christ is essentially and eternally better than the angels. But before His glorification he had to fulfill the humiliation of His human state. After He had passed through the experience of Philippians 2:6–8, He was exalted to the right hand of the divine Majesty as Messianic Sovereign (Heb.1:3).  Thus He became and was proved to be what in reality He always was, superior to the angels.

3.      The superiority here is not that of moral excellence, but of dignity and power. He became superior to the angels when He resumed His pre-incarnate dignity at His resurrection. 

                                                  ii.     Why is this important? The answer is seen in Heb. 2:2.

1.      The passage speaks of, “the word [message] spoken by angels,” and it was binding on Israel. The Word of God was deeply respected in part because of the supernatural mediation of angels. The Jewish people had a very high regard for the ministry of angels. After all, the law had been given through angels (Acts 7:53; Gal. 3:19), and angelic beings had appeared frequently throughout the history of God’s ancient people. Perhaps it was argued that in leaving Judaism for Christ, a person would be cutting himself off from this important feature of his national and religious heritage.

2.      The truth is that, in gaining Christ, he gained One who is superior to angels in a twofold sense—first as Son of God (1:4–14) and then as Son of Man (2:5–18). –MacDonald, William

3.      Therefore, Jesus is greater than the angels! The Messenger is God Himself—the eternal Son, exalted above the ancient messengers.

                                                 iii.     But, why is there a comparison between the Son and angels? 

1.      In the OT dispensation, mankind and God are separated by sin. The angels stand as mediators between God and man. Therefore you find a chain of two links, Moses, and the angel of the Lord.

2.      In the New Testament dispensation, God and Man become personally One through the birth of the Son. God no longer accommodates Himself to the capacities of man in angelic or humanlike appearances, but rather has revealed Himself in the Son of Man.

3.      This leaves only One Mediator between God and man in the New Testament.  Just as Christ has replaced angels as mediators, so His testament has replaced the Old.  Just as Christ is a Superior Messenger to angels, His message is also superior to theirs.

                                                 iv.     The Hebrew Christians, aware of the Bible’s teaching about angels and aware that angels had been intermediaries in the past, found it difficult to fully accept this fact, but in Jesus, God had established direct communication. There was the temptation in the early church to think of Jesus as a “high” angel. To counter this, Hebrews made it clear at the outset that Jesus is superior to all angels.

b.      Jesus Enjoys a Superior Relationship with God (1:4-5). Jesus stands beside God the Father as His Son, not below Him as a creature.

                                                    i.     He is The Son (vv. 4–5).

1.      Note “He hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.” The words “hath by inheritance obtained” are in the perfect tense in the Greek text, to show that a past completed action still has present abiding results. This means “Christ inherited the name “Son” in times past with the present result that the inheritance is in His permanent possession.”

2.      The “more excellent name” that Jesus possesses is “Son.” While the angels collectively may be termed “the sons of God” (Job 1:6), no angel would be given this title individually (Heb. 1:5). It belongs uniquely to our Lord Jesus Christ.

a.      The first quotation in verse 5 is from Psalm 2:7: “Thou art My Son, this day have I begotten Thee.” Paul pinpointed the time of this “begetting”: the resurrection of Jesus Christ (Acts 13:33).

b.      From eternity, Jesus Christ was God the Son. He humbled Himself and became Man (see Phil. 2:5–6). In His resurrection, however, He glorified that humanity received from the Father and received back the eternal glory He had veiled (John 17:1, 5). The Resurrection declares: “Jesus is God’s Son!” (Rom. 1:4)

3.      The second quotation (Heb. 1:5b) is from 2 Samuel 7:14. The immediate application in David’s experience was to his son, Solomon, whom God would love and discipline as a son (see Ps. 89:27). But the ultimate application is to Jesus Christ, the “greater than Solomon” (Matt. 12:42).

                                                  ii.     He is the Firstbegotten—Firstborn—highest and first in rank (v. 6).

1.      The term “firstborn” in the Bible does not always mean “born first” (Luke 2:7); God made Solomon the firstborn (Ps. 89:27) even though Solomon is listed tenth in the official genealogy (1 Chron. 3:1–5).

2.      The title signifies one first in rank and honor (Ps. 89:27; Rom. 8:29; Col. 1:15, 18), for the firstborn receives the inheritance and the special blessing.

3.      Christ is the “Firstborn of every creature” (Col. 1:15) because He created all things and is sovereign over all; and He is the highest of all who came back from the dead (Col. 1:18).

4.      As the Firstbegotten he is the “One coming forth from God to found the new community of saints.” Christ is Head of a new race.

To be continued in the next post.... 

The Name of the LORD is a Strong Tower

“What’s in a name?” Romeo asked this probing question in Shakespeare’s play “Romeo and Juliet.” The Faithful realize the powerful name “Jesus” can bring comfort and peace to a tortured and apprehensive soul. His Name conveys joyful hope to the fearful or depressed; it avails security to the threatened, vulnerable, or attacked.

Unfortunately, many unwittingly prefer mere shadows of security—an artificial sense of safeness. Often we expect people, money, governments, achievements, and possessions–poor imitations–to provide us a safe retreat. For a season we live under the deception that we are safe; however, this notion only endures until it is tested by trouble.  It is then we are crushed with the painful realization that a matter as vital as our security rests in a woefully superficial safe haven . . . .  This ominous scenario provides the impetus for honestly examining what or who we are really trusting in. Have we been hood-winked by our own pride…self-sufficiency…independence...the value of our own name?  

Often we allow ourselves to believe our name is our strong tower. It is the motto of the 'courageous' to stick out their chests while brazenly declaring, "I am going to make a name for myself!" While there is nothing wrong with being industrious and having personal initiative, there is too much wrong with arrogance. Consequently, we live in a fog of self-deception.  You see, there is no actual security without Jehovah God.  As a result, there is no wonder why we have so little peace; we have abandoned The Mighty Fortress for the defenseless and woefully vulnerable unfortified plains!  This is where we are when everything in life depends on something as weak as a human being. The enemies of our souls unleash assaults against us like flood waters from a dam violently rushing to our demise.  In our pathetic defense, we squander our energies erecting straw huts to fend off “fiery darts.” Like frighten children, we ineffectively hide ourselves under our blankets to shield us from the tempest gales of category five hurricanes.  Honestly, are we not more vulnerable… anxious… fearful... frustrated…discouraged than ever? What hope then is in ‘our name?’

Fortunately, there is a place we can run to for legitimate Shelter during the darkest and harshest storms.  The Psalmist counsels us to turn to the “Name of the Lord” (Prov. 18:10). Why? Because His Name signifies all He is in Himself– the manifest perfections of our Mighty Lord!  His faithfulness, sovereignty, mercy, wisdom, grace, love, power, and insight are like a grand lighthouse illuminating the way into the harbor of His Refuge. "Thou hast been a Shelter for me," says the Psalmist (Ps. 61:3), “and a Strong Tower from the enemy.” In this place you can find real and meaningful security. There is nothing to be afraid of with Jehovah God as your Shelter!

His Name casts on the movie screen of our minds the scene of a central fortress on a vast flatland, that in times of danger, the surrounding vulnerable populations can flee to for refuge. This Name is an impregnable high tower standing in utter defiance against every hostile assault from the foe. For many millennia  our God has endured against every assault from deniers, skeptics, atheists, godless philosophers, supposed empiricists, twisted theologians, scientists, religionists, dictators, political systems, and governments. Though they have unleashed their worst to attach Him, He still remains uninfluenced by their tirades and criticisms! It is into this Fortress “the righteous” (Prov. 18:10) run for preservation and are lifted high above imposing threats.  As we resort here, we are assured of safety during the most violent storms and through all attacks from our most ferocious enemies. The winds may blow violently against this Mountain, but Jesus Christ will not be moved by their rants! And you are safe and sound in Him; there is no need to worry (Rom. 8:35-39). 

The “righteous runneth into” (Prov. 18:10) The Strong Tower! We receive the status of "righteous" by placing complete faith in Jesus Christ as our Savior. It is Christ who lived a sinless life and on Calvary paid the price for our sins through His death. He was buried, and on the third day He arose victorious over death, the grave, hell, and Satan. As sinners we turn to this resurrected Christ for forgiveness of our sins and to usher us into a relationship with God. At the instant we trust Christ, God forgives and cleanses us and gives us the status of "righteous." As a result, we have salvation and can find accommodations in Him and are situated above the dangers that tempt us to fret. Rely only on this Name for genuine salvation and security; Jehovah alone is our Bulwark and Sanctuary (Ex. 3:15; 15:1–3; Ps. 27:4, 5; 46). By placing ourselves in His custody, we are completely sheltered (Prov. 29:25) in the Mighty Fortress of Himself. Absolutely nothing can touch us here except at His sovereign permission. Be assured of His love, power, and wisdom; He is not haphazard or reckless in the way He handles your life. It is safe to trust Him implicitly and comprehensively.  

Now be honest, is not your sense of security in things, riches, achievements, power, positions, or people? Actually, this is true about the average person in the Western world. Ask yourself if these really afford lasting safety? You and I both know people with all these things, but they are still anxious and miserable. It seems the rich are anxious for more and the achievers must continue to excel or succumb to trends and time to finally fade into what they fear most--irrelevancy and insignificance. Unfortunately, positions, possessions, and people can disappear in a moment, but Jesus does not change nor will He abandon you because of your failures to perform. You see, only God can provide absolute unfading Sanctuary.

Take seriously this stirring reminder; the kind of assurance, peace and joy your fretting soul seeks is in Christ. Come . . . run to Him whenever the storm looms dark on the horizon.  Run to His Name when the enemy amasses a vicious offensive; when your heart is tempted to doubt or fear, run to your Strong Tower (Prov. 18:10). Even now, He opens the Fortress gates and summons you to Himself. Come on, what are you waiting for? Life is extremely dangerous outside of Christ, and death is exponentially more so! Accept His invitation to salvation and security in Himself immediately. Undoubtedly, a “Mighty Fortress is our God” (Luther).