December 18, 2016 (Proverbs 18:10)

“The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe” (Prov 18:10). Let us continue on last week’s proverb as it deals with a subject precious to God. Indeed, He holds both His name and word in highest esteem. Furthermore, the psalmist writes on behalf of God concerning His name, “I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name” (Psalm 91:14). The word translated as “acknowledges” here literally means to know in an intimate way, and so it is that God describes knowing His name with a promise of protection in time of trouble. The secret for receiving God’s protective car is a heart which is intimately attached to the Lord Jesus in gratitude and affection. God knows exactly who such persons are and is not fooled by those who call upon Him in times of serious distress. Therefore the name of the LORD serving as a strong tower in time of trouble is conditional upon one having an intimate relationship with the One who name is called upon in times of distress. It is a name of no value to those who know little or nothing about the Person whose name is being invoked. In contrast, the value of the LORD’s name is far beyond any natural idea to those who determine to revere and humbly submit to the majesty of that name which is above every name in obedience to the 3rd commandment.