Abimelech managed to become king of Shechem through deceptive means and then quickly killed his seventy brothers before he was crowned. Opposition to him, to his plans, or to his power resulted in murder, even to his own citizens who had appointed him as ruler. He was crafty and corrupt, and he acquiesced to no one. His absolute authority was his sole purpose for living.

After he had demolished his hometown of Shechem because his people turned against him, he seized and captured Thebez. However, the people there were alert to the wickedness of Abimelech and prepared themselves against being his next target. Every person in the city went to the strong tower in Thebez for protection. They shut the door and climbed to the roof to keep an eye on the enemy. Abimelech intended to destroy the people but his plans failed. The citizens of Thebez remained safe, and Abimelech died.

Just as the citizens of Thebez believed the strong tower would protect them, Noah and his family lived in the safety of God's ark as the flood destroyed evil. God shut the door and they rose above the waters. Isn't that what God promises us when we trust in Him? I find it so! Out of His endless love, He protects and defends us, His obedient children. He holds us high above the floodwaters of defeat and any evil pursuers, who may want to destroy us spiritually, emotionally, or physically. When our eyes and heart are solely on our Savior and we release complete control of our circumstances to Him, He becomes our tower of strength!

Most people are concerned about the safety of their physical life, but God is most concerned about our eternal life. He sent Jesus Christ to be our Savior and our place of refuge for all of eternity. When we place our trust in Him, we are hid in Christ and confidently embrace Solomon's words, "The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe" (Prov. 18:10).

1. Have you found Jesus Christ to be your place of refuge for eternity? Explain what that means to you.
2. Who or what may you have to release so you can rely entirely on Jesus Christ as your strong tower in daily life and in difficult circumstances?
3. What are you doing or what could you do to encourage others to trust in Jesus Christ as their Savior and be dependent on Him to help in their problems?