June 2: THE GLORY OF GOD’S CHARACTER
The name of the LORD is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe. Proverbs 18:10
Safety is of primary importance in every earthly endeavor. Many of modern man’s inventions increase practical safety. In fact, most everyone would enthusiastically agree that car seats for babies, safety belts in vehicles, life jackets on boats, childproof containers for cleaning supplies, etc. are essential for safety.
Today’s verse is an explicit reference to the events of Genesis chapter 11. After the flood, people were gathering in disbelief of God’s promise: never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth (Genesis 9:11). Under the leadership of Nimrod (see 10:9-10), they assembled to build a magnificent tower as the centerpiece for a city. It would serve as a safe place to go in the event of another flood. Reaching to the heavens (11:4), its attraction would serve to draw people together in a direct effort to prevent people from dispersing over the earth. God’s blessing to Noah and his family included this command: “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth” (9:1), an echo of Genesis 1:28. The pushback came in a friendly-sounding invitation: “Come, let us build ourselves a city, and a tower whose top is in the heavens; let us make a name for ourselves, lest we be scattered abroad over the face of the whole earth” (11:4).
“… a name for ourselves” was all about acquiring a different character from that of seeking to live in obedience to God. This motive was immersed in pride and self-seeking – the very opposite of humility and self-sacrificing love.
When Moses asked the LORD: “Please, show me Your glory” (Exodus 33:18), the LORD granted his request up to the limit that he could see Him without losing his life. Moses was mercifully put in the cleft of a rock and covered by the LORD’s hand (v.22) as He passed by, for He had promised “I will make all My goodness pass before you, and I will proclaim the name [character] of the LORD.” (v.19)
Because we have been so corrupted while living in a world under the temporary dominion of Satan, we do not even know how corrupted we are (see Jeremiah 17:9). If Moses needed protection from God’s glory, how much more do we? In mercy, He tells all who desire the transformation to purity (and away from corruption): “you have found grace in My sight, and I know you by name” (v.17). Yes, He knows us by name (He knows the current condition of our ailing characters), but He is also able to guide us to the “future us” that He sees in our completed state of His amazing plan of redemption (see Revelation 3:12). From the moment we recognize our brokenness and yield to Him in humility, He forgives our past and covers us with His own robe of righteousness. Rather than trust in fallen man’s attempts at spiritual safety and righteousness (Isaiah 64:6 calls them filthy rags), we are to run to that strong tower, the name of the LORD, and [be] safe.
The fear of man brings a snare, But whoever trusts in the LORD shall be safe. Proverbs 29:25