SEEK REAL STRENGTH

DAY 75

Luke 11:21 When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own house, his possessions are safe.

I have reflected on this text a few times over the years but in all those years, the first statement has never been in focus. However, as I read this chapter again today, that was what my attention was drawn to: ‘when a strong man’.

The choice of these words indicates the possibility that it could also read  ‘when a weak man’. If that were the case, the presence of weapons in hand and a desire to guard his house might not be sufficient. In fact Proverbs 24:10 is the verse that comes to mind ‘If you faint in the day of adversity, Your strength is small’. So yes, great strength is necessary.

In Nebuchadnezzar’s second dream found in Daniel 4:11, the tree he saw grew large and strong, and by virtue of this growth : ‘Its leaves were beautiful, its fruit abundant, and on it was food for all. Under it the wild animals found shelter, and the birds lived in its branches; from it every creature was fed (‘vs 12)

Without real growth and strength therefore, you will be in no position to preserve, protect, or provide. So let’s continue to seek growth and strength in every endeavour because if there is something precious to be protected, a strong armed man is preferred to a weak armed man.

But be mindful, for strength is not based on the size of physical muscles, but in the transformation of the mind, the quality of character, and the depth in God. That is real strength.

Sly

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