OUR WALL OF DEFENSE

Psalm 18:2-36
2 The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. . . . . 30 As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in Him. 31 For who is God besides the Lord? And who is the Rock except our God? 32 It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. 33 He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; He enables me to stand on the heights. 34 He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze. 35 You give me your shield of victory, and Your right hand sustains me; stoop down to make me great. 36 You broaden the path beneath me, so that my ankles do not turn.

One of the most amazing wonders of the world is the Great Wall of China. Built over many centuries, primarily during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), it was constructed to keep out invaders--including the fierce and cruel Mongols. Imagine a defense barrier stretching thousands of miles and rising several stories high. China's Great Wall has become a symbol for protection and safety. If only a shield like that could keep us safe from our enemies!

But the Great Wall of China is not all it's cracked up to be. That's because Western journalists and Chinese patriotic writers have romanticized and exaggerated it. Here's the truth:

It is not continuous, as many believe. In fact, numerous segments of the wall have been discovered throughout China, running generally but not necessarily from east to west. They were built during several dynasties.

Second, the Great Wall is commonly thought to be more than 2,000 years old. That also is untrue. Some minor segments were built during the Warring States Era (403-221 BC), but the most impressive and major segments were built 500-600 years ago.

Third, we have been told in source after source that the Great Wall can be seen from the moon. One Western author suggested it, and many writers have repeated it. But it simply is not true. From satellites and space shuttles, yes, but not from the moon.

One defense system, however, is continuous, impenetrable, and invincible. God Himself is our fortress (Psalm 18:2). His powerful walls cannot be breached by our enemy. By faith, we trust in the promises of God, who doesn't allow us to be destroyed by fiery darts or flaming arrows. False accusations, angry words, subtle attacks, or fierce temptations cannot overpower His strength.

Yes, we are more safe in Jesus than we are anywhere in the universe. --Dave Egner

DESTINATION POINTS

* Who are my enemies? Are any of them more powerful than God?
* What temptation grips me with the most force? How do I take my stand against it?

LINKS:
How Do I Resist Temptation?
http://www.christianitytoday.com/cl/2001/003/15.10.html

bottom line: Jesus' shield will never yield.

soul journey