November 20, 2004

THE STRONG CITY

"In that day this song will be sung in the land of Judah: 'We have a strong city; God will appoint salvation for walls and bulwarks' " (Isaiah 26:1, NKJV).

The majestic return of Christ to our planet, as described in Isaiah 25, is pictured as a day of devastation and destruction for the wicked. On the other hand, it is called a day of salvation for the redeemed.

In this violent setting, God's people look up and see their coming king. They erupt into songs of joy and expression of jubilation, "This is our God," they shout, "We have waited for Him, and He will save us" (Isaiah 25:9, NKJV). In their jubilant acknowledgment of their returning Lord, the saints welcome Him as their "strong city" (Isaiah 26:1, NKJV). Isaiah's imagery of a strong city is reminiscent of the literal city of Jerusalem (see Isaiah 24:23) that remained invincible when Sennacherib brought the full might of Assyria against the city (see Isaiah 36, 37).

Isaiah predicts that in that great and terrible day of the Lord, God's people will be in a singing mood. The very first stanza of their deliverance song confidently says, "We have a strong city." That strong city of salvation is Christ Himself.

Through Christ, the strong city, the redeemed will have free access to all the joys and blessings of the promised land. The righteous nation that keeps the truth will be accorded a royal welcome into that land (see Isaiah 26:2). Those who are secure in the "Strong City" will at last be ushered into the Holy City. "In this city is the throne of God, and a pure and beautiful river proceeding out of it, as clear as crystal. Its sparkling purity and beauty make glad the City of God. The saints will drink freely the healing waters of the river of life."--The Youth's Instructor, January 1, 1852.

My Prayer Today: Lord, as the "Strong City," You are my salvation and security. Besides You, I have no other hope. Amen.