A False Sense of Security

Verse of the day: Judges 9:49, So each of the people likewise cut down his own bough and followed Abimelech, put them against the stronghold, and set the stronghold on fire above them, so that all the people of the tower of Shechem died, about a thousand men and women.

The people of Shechem could not escape the consequences of their decision to side with, and follow, a corrupt and violent leader such as Abimelech. When people choose to follow a man with the character of Abimelech, it is only a matter of time before that man turns his ways and his wrath against those who showed him loyalty. Abimelech was a man who was loyal only to himself and would destroy anyone who opposed him. When the people found themselves in his crosshairs, they thought they could escape his wrath by taking refuge in the tower of Shechem. Their false sense of security ended in their death. So it is for those who put their trust in anything or anyone other than the Lord. Proverbs 18:10-11 says, “The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. 11 The rich man’s wealth is his strong city, and like a high wall in his own esteem.” Sadly, there are Christians who have put more trust in themselves, other people, their own resources, and their own talents and abilities, to get them through difficult times, than in the Lord. The Lord God is their last resort after they have tried everything else and failed, but then blamed God when things did not improve for them in the way they expected or within the timetable they were looking for. Regardless of what adversity we face when we trust the Lord, it is far better than trusting in anything the world has to offer, which is fleeting, and in which we have no true security. All the money in the world cannot buy us eternal life. All the material wealth in the world cannot extend our earthly lives or cure an incurable disease. Trusting in Jesus and calling upon His Name (a Strong Tower) will give us eternal life by His grace. It is in Christ that we have joy, peace, and true victory over the trials and tribulations we experience in this lifetime. The Apostle Paul quoted Joel 2:32 when he wrote this in Romans 10:13, “For ‘whoever calls on the Name of the LORD shall be saved.’” The unsaved world gains a false sense of security when they trust their good works, and religiosity to gain them eternal life. Yet, Ephesians 2:8-9 clearly tells us, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.” As born again believers, we MUST proclaim Jesus and His grace as the only way to eternal life (John 14:6). However, proclaiming it with our lips is not enough. We must also live like we believe what we proclaim. That means living a life of faith that demonstrates that we truly believe that Jesus is our Strong Tower and our Refuge in times of tribulation, and in living our everyday lives. Psalm 20:7 tells us, “Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; but we will remember the Name of the LORD our God.” What or who are we trusting? Have we been lulled into a false sense of security by trusting in something or someone other than Jesus? Is He the One who is our Strong Tower and Refuge, or are we setting ourselves up for a great fall by trusting in man and the worthless remedies this world offers?

Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His gift of salvation (Rom 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive Him and His gift of salvation today (Rom 10:13).