There are times in life when it seems like everything is an uphill battle. A difficult set of circumstances, exceptional challenges or struggles. You have been thrown a curve ball. Let’s just say; things are not smooth sailing.
It is then that we can take comfort from 2 Cor. 12:9 "My grace is all you need, for My power is the greatest when you are weak."
Ps.73:26 "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power." Eph. 6:10
Many people are disheartened, demoralised and disillusioned. Disappointments summarise their days and they have lost hope. Isaiah 40:31 is an encouragement to all. "But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint."
I am going to ask you a question that you have heard before. Is this current problem, situation or difficulty you are experiencing bigger than God? Obviously the answer is NO! Sometimes the question just needs to be written down, so that we can gain clarity and perspective. I want to step back in time. Come walk with me.
Illustration: The Temple Institute, Jerusalem. Baranovsky
Please look at this image. Imagine for a moment you are one of those weary travellers going up to Jerusalem. We are going to cross the Kidron valley and enter through the East gate. You heard king Solomon built this magnificent Temple and it is going to be your first visit. Those shiny shimmering bronze pillars would have commanded your attention even from afar. The glistening must have been a glorious sight. Visualise yourself standing at the base of those impressive 8,2m tall bronze pillars, gazing up at the 2,4m high capitals on top. It must have been awe-inspiring. Spectacular! I am sure people appreciated the skill of Huram's intricate artistic craftmanship.
Gazing up at those two pillars one would have noted that they were free standing with no support structures, just decorative.
There is always a meaning and a message in every portion of Scripture. The pillar to the south was named Boaz, which means In Him is strength. The pillar to the north was Jachin which means He will establish strength.
God gave Huram the skill and ability to create those masterpieces. Thus, going up to the Temple to worship, the pillars were a tangible reminder of God's strength, His might and His power. A symbol of stability. God is strength and He strengthens and establishes His people. I am sure one felt very small and humble standing close to those pillars. The contrast would have been significant. You would realise; I am small and weak, but Yahweh is great and all-powerful. To Him be the glory and honour! The Temple was a God ordained, heavenly blueprint so that the nations could come up to Jerusalem and worship the King of Kings.
It is now 2025 and as we read our Bibles we can easily forget that those people going up to the temple and back home weren't that different from us. They also had worries, fears and emotional turmoil. They had two pillars as visual reminders. We read about it and sense the timeless spiritual message echoing through the ages. He is a strong covenantal God. Yahweh's presence is with His people. He is faithful. He strengthens me when I feel powerless.
Deut. 8:17-20 warns us not to think it is in our own strength, or skill, or ability that we can do this or that. No. Remember, it is God that gives you the strength to be able to endure!
Isaiah 40:29 "He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless." May this encourage you as you seek Yeshua's face, for the Lord is your strength!
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