Daily Reading: 2 Chronicles 26-27
Moreover, Uzziah built towers in Jerusalem at the Corner Gate and at the Valley Gate and at the Angle, and fortified them. And he built towers in the wilderness and cut out many cisterns. (2 Chronicles 26.9-10)
Devotional Thought: As a pastor, I was privileged to lead in three building programs: two fellowship halls and a total relocation. I came to appreciate some things about building: 1) the sacrifice, generosity and help of God's people; 2) the great effort and energy demanded from God's people; and 3) the significance and symbolism of buildings for God's people. It is this third thing that I want to consider as we think about another "builder" - King Uzziah.
Uzziah built...
Towers in Jerusalem. These were situated at strategic points along the wall of the capital city. Watchmen could see inside the city as well as detect approaching threats from outside. Weary travelers could glimpse the towers from a distance and "find their way home." One such tower in the church today is the theology of the atonement. "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son."
Towers in the wilderness. These towers were symbolic outposts of the grace of God. They provided a reminder of the power of the kingdom and extended an invitation to the outsider to find refuge. We don't spend all our time at the church, and so we need "towers in the wilderness." The Holy Spirit fills us and uses us as outposts of grace!
Cisterns. In ancient days, the supply of water needed to be carefully considered. Without it, a city would languish during times of drought. Cisterns were dug in order to hold water to get through dry periods. We need to drink deeply of the Word of God, storing up life and strength for dry seasons.
Are you being built up in the most holy faith?
Prayer: Lord, I want to build my life on Jesus Christ. Help me to set towers of truth and love and to drink deeply of the Word of God. Amen.
Psalm of the Day: Psalm 78:56-64
56 Yet they tested and rebelled against the Most High God and did not keep his testimonies,
57 but turned away and acted treacherously like their fathers; they twisted like a deceitful bow.
58 For they provoked him to anger with their high places; they moved him to jealousy with their idols.
59 When God heard, he was full of wrath, and he utterly rejected Israel.
60 He forsook his dwelling at Shiloh, the tent where he dwelt among mankind,
61 and delivered his power to captivity, his glory to the hand of the foe.
62 He gave his people over to the sword and vented his wrath on his heritage.
63 Fire devoured their young men, and their young women had no marriage song.
64 Their priests fell by the sword, and their widows made no lamentation.
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