Strength and Weakness

eDevotion

Encouragement for your daily walk with God

I have led many groups to Israel and I love to see the expression on people’s faces as they see places where biblical events took place. It’s priceless! I also like to see their surprise when they recognize how different things really are from what they imagined them to be. 

Take Jerusalem for example. Today, it is a bustling, fairly large world-class city. But when David captured Jebus from the Canaanites, it was only about 12-15 acres. 

It was strategically located on a hill with steep slopes, which gave it an advantage during a military threat. It was on this high vantage point that King David built his palace. It’s mentioned many times in Scripture as the Millo — a large retaining wall built by the Canaanites to shore up the summit of Jebus. It was from this steep slope that David derived his military strength. 

But this vantage point also became a weakness for David. The Kidron Valley ran down the East side of Jebus. On the other side of the Valley there was another hill. Flat-topped houses were built on its slopes. You’ve probably already guessed it...it was on one of those rooftops that David secretly watched Bathsheba, and lust began to build in his heart. 

Dear Christ follower, many temptations begin from our privilege — from our position of strength — just as it did with David. And like the steep slopes of Jebus, the City of David, what God gave as an advantage became the place of his downfall. 

Be watchful and walk humbly before God. Be thankful for what God has given you as an advantage. But with all vigor, guard against abusing it for your harm!

Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. 1st Corinthians 10:12