30/08/2022 - TILL HE BECAME STRONG

• 
• 
• 
• 

And he made devices in Jerusalem, invented by skillful men, to be on the towers and the corners, to shoot arrows and large stones. So his fame spread far and wide, for he was marvelously helped till he became strong.  2 Chronicles 26.15

Uzziah was ahead of his contemporaries, for he thought about what he could do for his nation and thus, put his people in safety. A king has God’s guidance when he thinks about his citizens and does something to protect them. Now, the Lord is clear on this matter, when He says that we must trust Him as the Guard of the city, and not only in the protection of the sentinels (Psalms 127.1). The wise king summoned the engineers and gave them a noble mission.

The engineers of Judah had the task of fulfilling the leader’s dream: to make a machine that would shoot arrows and large stones at the enemies when they attacked Jerusalem. Now, he was way ahead of the rulers of the other nations. Soon, the king of Syria copied his invention and began to protect himself as well. Today, the countries that know how to handle science and use it for the benefit of their people are safe. The prudent are wise (Proverbs 16.21)!

In his design, the machines were to be placed in the towers he had built in Jerusalem, and at the corners of the walls. As it’s well known, it was a common idea in those days to surround large cities with spacious walls, in order to prevent the enemy’s attack. Thus, Jerusalem was protected. Nebuchadnezzar destroyed the walls when he invaded the great King’s city, but tens of years later, Nehemiah began to repair the walls (Nehemiah 2.20).

Now, it would be difficult for any army to venture to capture God’s people, for the rain of arrows and stones that would fly from above the wall would cause an immense damage to the invading army. This makes us feel that we need to be well protected with the Word of the Lord and the virtue of the Holy Spirit obtained at the moment of our baptism. The saved person must not let the evil one approach. To do so, when he sees him, he must defeat him using the Name of Jesus!

Whoever is part of the Body of Christ must be prepared against the devil’s crafty snares and resist him steadfast in the faith, remembering that he is all around, seeking to snatch lives: Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world (1 Peter 5.8,9). Believe!

Our fame needs to fly very far, all the way to Hell’s door. We were saved with a gigantic purpose – a living hope! Therefore, we cannot frustrate the plans made by the Lord in bringing us to life. We must shoot the arrows of faith and throw the great stones at the adversaries sent by the king of wickedness, who want to make us suffer. This will glorify the Lord, and the Savior will constantly manifest Himself to us, so that we may serve Him better. Pray and live!

God helps us in a wonderful way that we be strong enough. Then we will never suffer because of hell. The Lord wants His children to be like the king of Judah, who became strong. Put this in your heart and head towards victory.

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares