Young Adults' Group

A Mighty Fortress Is Our God

by Pastor Mark
June 17, 2016

The picture of a mighty fortress

The image of a great fortress is truly a sight to behold. A fortress is able to give its inhabitants refuge and defence against enemies. It is usually built solidly on a hill or a rock structure. Its natural elevation and high walls make it impregnable… a place of safety and refuge. It is no wonder that the fortress is used to represent great strength…. a most certain and reliable defence against the enemy. I’ve always enjoyed how this image is used in the Scriptures in different ways for our understanding, appreciation and encouragement.

God as our mighty fortress

1. A great source of refuge

“Bow down Your ear to me, deliver me speedily; be my rock of refuge, a fortress of defence to save me. For You are my rock and my fortress; therefore for Your name’s sake, lead me and guide me.” (Ps 31:2, 3)

The Psalmist David would often turn to God as his source of refuge and defence. When he was faced with challenges such as enemies, he would turn his focus to God in prayer…seeking Him as his rock and fortress. He looks to God for timely deliverance and safety. He placed his absolute trust in God, who would not allow him to be ashamed. (Ps 31:1) David wrote from experience. The Lord had already been his rock and fortress. It was not something that was theoretical in knowledge. God was real and alive to him. Let us turn to the Lord as our fortress of refuge and defence in the midst of the challenges of life.

2. A picture of great strength

“The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer. My God, my strength, in whom I trust.” (Ps 18:2)

David also used the picture of a fortress as his strength. This strength is gained through the reality of a living relationship with God. As David drew close to God in the midst of the challenges of life, he experienced God as His God. There was no one else or anything that David would turn to. His only strength came from looking to God as his rock and fortress. He had a fierce and fervent trust in God… that he would hold on to Him no matter what may come his way. Let us be challenged by the example of David to look to God as our strength.

A personal challenge to the prophet Jeremiah

1. The challenge to be a fortified city

The Lord applied the image of a mighty fortress in a slightly different way to the Prophet Jeremiah. God used this image to challenge Jeremiah as he was called to fulfil his ministry. “For behold, I have made you this day a fortified city and an iron pillar.” (Jeremiah 1:18) Jeremiah should see himself as a fortified city. He was young and inexperienced. The Lord had promised that He will be with him. Jeremiah needed to fortify himself for the challenging ministry ahead of him.

2. To be a fortress among the people

“I have set you as an assayer and a fortress among my people, that you may know and test their way.” (Jeremiah 6:27) One of the roles of the prophet was to be an assayer. He needed to know and test the ways of the people and to determine what they were really like. The Lord challenged Jeremiah further to be a fortress. He needed to be strong and with great courage and perseverance carry out the work that God had called him to do, especially in the face of opposition from the people. Jeremiah needed to be strong in facing up to these realities and not be deterred in any way. Let us all be challenged to look to God as our great and awesome fortress. Let us be challenged to be a fortified city in facing our difficulties in life and ministry.

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