The Name of Jesus: A Strong Tower of Protection
Study Text: Judges: 9:50 - 54
Introduction:
Abimelech in a bid to succeed his father as king, plotted and killed 70 of his half-brothers; only Jotham escaped.
In the battle to take a city called Thebaz, Abimelech came upon a heavily fortified tower. The civilians ran to the top of a tower and Abimelech almost fought through most of the way towards the tower, but a woman dropped a stone on his head from above. He was mortally wounded and eventually died.
The Word of God tells us: “The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe. Proverbs 18:10
That is your place of protection and power. When the enemy begins to roar and pursue you, that is not the time to give up or run to the Devil for help. Rather, run to the Lord.
People have been delivered from great difficulties and pressures because they called the name of Jesus. The Bible says that He has been given a name that is above every name. His name is above anything that comes against you.
We shall be discussing the topic under three subheadings:
1. The Portrait of a Strong Tower
2. The People in the Strong Tower
3. The Protection by the Strong Tower
1. The Portrait of a Strong Tower
The name of the LORD is a strong tower. The protection that the name of the LORD provides is multi-faceted and trustworthy. By faith, we can rush to the name of the LORD and find safety at any time.
How is the name of the Lord a strong tower? What is a strong tower?
The Bible refers to God Himself as our strength, our rock, our fortress and our refuge . God and His name are one and the same.
When you hear the name of someone you know, you have an inner vision of them because the name carries all that you know about them. This means that a name carries a person’s reputation.
We have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea for His people when they came out of Egypt.
By faith, Rahab tapped into the name of the LORD, and she and all her family were kept safe when the city of Jericho was destroyed.
The name of the LORD is a strong tower, fortified tower, strong fortress, mighty tower of great strength.
1. A tower is something that is tall, or high.
The name of the LORD is high.
Let them praise the name of the LORD because his name is high above all others. His glory is above heaven and earth (Psalm 148:13).
2. The tower is strong.
Strength is manifested in numerous ways. Strength is conveyed as: physical, mental, competence, influence, moral power, effectiveness, healthy, means to resist attack, uncompromising, well-supplied, clear, and firm, and thriving.
The name of the LORD that is a strong tower is high above your problem, providing all you need.
The name of the LORD is a strong tower when we are scared, when we are ill, when we are lost, when we are confused, when we are sad, when we are threatened, when we are weak, when we are overwhelmed, and even when we are struggling financially.
2. The People in the Strong Tower
The Word of God promises that: The Righteous Running to the Tower are Saved.
There are two things here. The righteous, referring to the person, and the action “run.”
Who is the righteous this verse is talking about? Righteousness according to the Bible is being in right standing with God. This is something no one can achieve on their own. For anyone to attain righteousness they must receive it from God. Ephesians 2:8-9,
Romans 5:17.
What is the significance of the action run? Running is simply faster than walking. However, the word implies urgency. It is more accurately translated rush, or hurry.
Can We Feel Safe in the Strong Tower?
What does it mean to be safe? It is to be “Lifted up above the danger.” It is to be protected from or not exposed to danger or risk; not likely to be harmed or lost.
The name of the Lord is where true safety and protection are found.
The "righteous" are those who have placed their faith in the Lord Jesus and are living according to His will. They are the ones who understand the need to run to the Lord for help and protection.
Every one run in times of trouble. They run from a place to another place in search of peace, security and safety.
The Word of God encourages believers to actively seek God's protection when they face difficulties, rather than relying on their own strength or the world's solutions.
God is the ultimate source of strength and refuge. Those who seek refuge in Jesus name will find safety, security, and peace.
This safety is not just physical, but also spiritual and emotional, offering protection from fear, anxiety, and despair.
The people in the Strong Tower must demonstrate humility and absolute dependence on God, in order to access the safety and security in His name.
The righteous that desires to run into the Strong Tower and access the safety must be willing to:
1. Remember and call upon the name of Jesus in times of need.
The believers must be willing to call on the name of Jesus when overwhelmed. Romans 10:13.
2. Recognize the Lord's Power and Protection.
The believer must be assured that the name of the Lord is a place of safety and protection, and that He is our refuge in times of trouble.
3. Cultivate a heart of humility and dependence on God.
Turn to God proactively, not just when in crisis. The believers should not delay in seeking God's help but run to Him immediately when trouble arises.
4. Share the message of God's protection with others.
The believers experience of power and protection on the strong tower is a message of hope and encouragement, to be shared with others that they have a powerful and reliable refuge in Jesus name.
3. The Protection by the Strong Tower
There is security and refuge found in the name of the Lord. The name of the Lord is a place of safety where the righteous can run for protection from life's storms and challenges.
The people that come to the Lord access this protection through faith, prayer, and reliance on the Lord's character and promises.
The name of the Lord is not just a title, but a representation of His character, power, and faithfulness. It is a place of safety and security that is always available to those who seek refuge in Him.
For the Christian, the place to run in times of trouble is straight to the name of the Lord!
Every source of protection developed and promoted by man will ultimately fail you in the day of adversity, but the name of the Lord is a strong tower. Psalm 124:8, Psalm 18:2-3
Those who are living in active opposition to God by choosing a life of sin will be seeking safety in the manmade avenues. But the righteous will know that only the name of the Lord can provide the dependable protection that is needed.
Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the Lord our God Psalms 20:7.
When you remember the name of the Lord your God, your enemies are brought down and fallen: but you will rise and stand upright. Psalms 20:8 .
The way to run into the strong tower is to remember the name of the Lord. Romans 10:13: “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Simply calling Jesus when you are overwhelmed can save.
The Psalmist declares: “From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I” Psalms 61:2 .
