Nougat 31

Recently I visited a European castle. Our guide explained that a castle had one real purpose: protecting those within. It was somewhat of a contrast to my ideas of dancing and nobles etc. And it doesn’t mean that those didn’t exist; but indicate that safeguarding the inhabitants was a priority – just like City Gates.

Although I may have reflected with you previously on the castle keep some time ago, please permit us to do so again in today’s Holy Nougat

“The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭46‬:‭7‬ ‭NIV‬‬

The God of Jacob is our Fortress

I tell you, the castle was nestled on a hillside, facing the main road coming from the west. With forestry below, and the village above, it was a contrast from typical castles, we were told. The redirect was strategic said our guide, to ensure the safety of the villagers. And although we entered via a solid stone bridge, we were also advised that that entrance was a late addition to the castle during peace time.

That information struck a chord with me, as I had realized that the present entry is fairly close to the keep – the castle safe room. I imagined the same castle with a different entrance and realized that it would be an extremely determined enemy who would attempt an attack at that section without the bridge.

It strikes me on two levels:

Firstly: I realized how safe the structure was intended to be, as the castle was on a fairly high mountain (it was on the Alps). Secondly: I find myself thinking about that bridge.

When I saw the width of the walls, the multiple stairways, and the way in which the rooms were positioned; my thoughts went to the ways in which God is our fortress. God is our rock that is Higher Than High, thus any invading enemy forces can be seen a long ways off. Unlike the castle I visited, the village is part of God’s Castle. Hence Jesus’ statement to the disciples: ‘in my father’s house are many mansions’ (see John 14). It means that we are fully protected when we are in God’s village.

Of course, we will face attacks; but God’s defense strategy is masterful. Psalm 91 tells us of the many that attempt to attack us and their failure when we are within the safety of God’s castle. God has assigned angels to protect us from danger within the castle.

Unfortunately, we are prone to wander. And danger can await us in the forest or in the Valley (of Shadows).

Thankfully, God is aware of this, and as our Sovereign, God has already put safeguards and contingencies in place for our protection. For we are all precious to God and fall under God’s safety detail. When the psalmist speaks about the God of Jacob being our refuge, I am inclined to think about Jacob the supplanting son; not just Jacob after being renamed Israel. It tells me that God loves and accepts us as we are, not only as we ought to be. Even when Jacob was under Laban’s thumb, God was watching over him. While on the journey back to reconciliation with Esau, God was revealed to Jacob, and the transformation followed.

That’s where The Bridge comes in. It is The Only Entry into a Fortified castle. Based on its location, it offered access back into the castle for the legitimate inhabitants. My memory chipped in, and I thought of ancient drawbridges that were hoisted up and down as needed. That’s where our Hope lay. In the Bridge. For I could see Jesus as the Bridge back to the safety of the Castle, God’s Castle; yet being raised up in defense against enemy forces.

Whether we stray far away from the Castle, like Jacob, or we lost our way to the Castle, we have this blessed assurance. Jesus Christ paves our path to safety – if we are willing to trust Him.

In times of despair we remind ourselves, “The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.” ‭‭

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May all we seek be found in Christ