Under What Roof?

Taking refuge in substandard housing. Seeking shelter under the cover of shoddy workmanship. Perhaps such dwellings seem just fine when weather is fair, but when storms arise the lack of protection from the cold and rain is quickly realized. As it is wise to consider proper shelter through all the seasons of the year, it is even more so with regard to our spiritual lives. There are some who live in adequate housing to protect themselves from the elements who have given little consideration to the storms of a spiritual nature that arise. In fact, some have actually taken shelter under that which will ultimately prove to be no protection at all.

In a statement of judgment on Ephraim and Jerusalem during the days of Isaiah, we read…
“(14) Therefore hear the word of the Lord, you scoffers, who rule this people in Jerusalem! (15) Because you have said, ‘We have made a covenant with death, and with Sheol we have an agreement, when the overwhelming whip passes through it will not come to us, for we HAVE MADE LIES OUR REFUGE, and IN FALSEHOOD WE HAVE TAKEN SHELTER’;” ( Isaiah 28:14-15 ESV)

What had been trusted in they may not have called “lies” or “falsehood”, but that was the reality. God and His Will were not always viewed as the shelter of His people. There were times hope was placed in other nations for help or safe refuge from an enemy. Idols -- which were referred to as “a lie in [their] right hand” ( Isaiah 44:20) -- had even been looked to, but in reality were a false hope. Confidence was also sometimes placed in the soothing message of false prophets who calmed their fears but did not alter the truth of what was to come. False assurances are no assurance at all! To trust in lies offers no more protection than whitewash over a weak wall that cannot resist being broken through.

The next two verses here in Isaiah read…
“(16) therefore thus says the Lord God, ‘Behold, I am the one who has LAID AS A FOUNDATION in Zion, A STONE, A TESTED STONE, A PRECIOUS CORNERSTONE, OF A SURE FOUNDATION: ‘Whoever believes will not be in haste.’ (17) And I will make justice the line, and righteousness the plumb line; and hail will sweep away the refuge of lies, and waters will overwhelm the shelter.’” ( Isaiah 29:16-17 ESV)

This foundation on which life is to be built up and where TRUE SECURITY can be gained is found in Jesus (note Romans 9:33; 1 Peter 2:6) and is associated with a “spiritual house” ( 1 Peter 2:5) wherein we can dwell in safety. Our lives need to find refuge and shelter on the foundation of Jesus and under the roof of the TRUTH OF GOD. Only in Christ can we find the “plumb line” for lining up all the aspects of our life.

Paul referred to those who were perishing because they “refused to love the truth and so be saved.”( 2 Thessalonians 2:10 ESV) God’s desire -- on the other hand -- is that all “be saved and come to the knowledge of THE TRUTH.” ( 1 Timothy 2:4 ESV) May we not be deceived. TRUTH matters! It is stable. It is durable. It will stand. It will shelter when all else around us may be crumbling in. Let THE TRUTH IN CHRIST be the refuge continually surround our lives.

Have a great day ENJOYING TRUE SANTUARY IN THE TRUE SAVIOR!
Carl

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