Joel M Bradshaw

10The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.–Proverbs 18

Here is a photo I took of one of the towers of Blarney Castle outside Cork, Ireland. To kiss the famous Blarney Stone you have to climb a couple of tight, winding stairways up and up. I remember that day being wet and rainy, the stairs steep and slick, and me carrying a folded up stroller (although in fairness, Jen was carrying at least one kid). I couldn’t find the camera app in time on my wife’s phone, so she kissed the stone a second time so I could get a shot. We both have never had a problem with the gift of gab.

That was a strong tower that has stood the test of time . Now how do we unpack today’s verse?

WHAT IS THE TOWER? God’s Name. In the ancient world, a person’s name embodied his reputation and his purpose. It was something you could depend upon. We all love companies who stand by their name and guarantee their products. One of my favorite Psalms (46) pictures God as ‘a refuge and strength in times of trouble.’ God is clearly picturing himself as something and someone with purposeful, protective strength to care.

RUNNING INTO A NAME? The righteous person in our text today is up against something extremely difficult. He is forced to run and seek safety. In the Bible, a righteous person cares about God’s Name. He follows God’s law and lives to please God. He dwells in the presence of God (Psalm 140). So why wouldn’t a child feel comfortable running back to his Father’s house where he knows he is welcome and safe?

This verse implies that you care about your relationship with God. You seek to live rightly with God and long to obey God. You see your purpose as being in a relationship with God and giving Him glory. If that currently is not you, it can be you.

This verse also implies that you see God as the answer to your most pressing needs. When you need protection? Run to Him. When you struggle and fall and feel ashamed? Run to Him. When you are afraid and feel broken by life? Run to Him. When you need God more than anything and it’s all you can do to trust Him? Run to that tower. He is dependable. He loves you. And His stairs aren’t too slippery!–JMB