Posted: 06 December 2024

From a sermon given on 01 December 2024:

The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.
(Proverbs 8:10)

In times of war and other eminent dangers people run for safety in a fortified place such a tower for safety.

Just before his crucifixion, Jesus prayed for his disciples John 17:11-12: And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are. While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.

Jesus Christ acknowledged that true protection and preservation could only come from the name of the Lord and so made this prayer passionately as he knew the eminent danger and persecution they would face when proclaiming the Gospel.

Today we live in days of danger and uncertainty. Economic harsh times are teaching us not to trust in wealth as it is dwindling away swiftly. Physical, emotional and mental health and well-being is also at the risk of breaking. What man has deemed as his fortified walls are crumbling before his very eyes.

However, we have a fort that cannot be shaken or moved by the seasons and times, which is the NAME OF THE LORD. This is a strong tower where the righteous will run for healing, restoration and safety. This is the name above every name in heaven, on earth and Under the Earth by which men are saved.

Further Readings:

And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are. While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.
(John 17:11-12)

Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour. And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple; Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms. And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us. And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them. Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God. And all the people saw him walking and praising God: And they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him.
(Acts 3:1-10)

Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name
(Philippians 2:9)