is published by (V) Worship: The Strong City
V. It is very precious, not only when we meet together, but at all times, to feel our minds exercised by, and meditating in, the law of the Lord, which is spiritual. Those that are exercised in this law of the Spirit of Life (Romans 8:2), and walk in obedience to it, no evil nor temptation shall prevail against; but they will witness salvation for walls and bulwarks (Isaiah 26:1-4). Some were witnesses of old, that the law of the Lord was pure and perfect (Psalm 19:7). Many are witnesses of the same this day, and know it so by the operation of it; and know themselves subjects of that law, which is spiritual within them, which judges every vain thought, and every idle word, and brings down every vain imagination. It is a blessed state, to be meditating in this law, day and night (Psalm 1:1-2). For I testify, that this law of the Spirit of Life within, was man’s rule, whereby he walked innocently and uprightly, before transgression entered, and before outward alphabets were invented, or before any outward law was written, or engraved on tables of stone. To this Spirit of Life within again are many called, and many are coming, and come to; and forever blessed are those that walk therein, and are ruled thereby.
Bible references added
Isaiah 26 describes a “strong city” whose walls and bulwarks are salvation. It is a city with gates wide open so that all who follow truth will be able to enter. Yet even with its gates left open, it is a city of peace and safety, made strong by the presence of the Lord.
Shewen is suggesting that in true worship we enter that strong city. As we meditate on the law of the Spirit of Life we enter into a place of peace and safety in the presence of the Lord.
Shewen’s references to law can be confusing. There is “law” and then there is “the law of the Lord” or the “law of the Spirit of Life.” The “law” consists of the laws, rules and commands given to us to follow and is seen as a result of sin entering into our lives and the world.
The law of the Spirit of Life is the inward willingness to trust in the Lord as we experience life in the “strong city” of salvation. It grows out of our relationship with Christ and is made up of the boundaries that give definition to that relationship.
“Strong Tower” by Kutless
@Markus I get your drift on where you were going there. I often think of my past and use it as a means to analyze where I am and where I want to get to. Where I struggel is balancing it all out. How do you guys balance things out?