Page 018 - Building the Church Within the City
*Verses from AMP
"EXCEPT THE Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it; except the Lord keeps the city, the watchman wakes but in vain" (Amp: Psalms 127:1)
In the ancient times cities always had watchman to look out for the enemy so they would not be invaded or seized by force. In Jerusalem, the most precious part of the city was the temple, the house of God. However, the Psalmist is quite clear that no matter what one does to protect the city or the house, it is in vain if the God of heaven and earth is not using His strength to protect it.
The reason why God protects the city and the temple is for His testimony. He sees His people as a fruitful vine that bear fruit to who He is. Isaiah 27:3b says I, the Lord, am its Keeper; I water it every moment; lest anyone harm it, I guard and keep it night and day. Jesus had the same sentiments in John 15:1-5 with an added warning should the vine (the believers) become unfruituful.
Satan, knowing that Christ was for God's testimony wanted to tempt Him away from His true mission and cause Him to focus on Himself. The verse that Satan spoke was from Psalms 91 that speaks of how God keeps those who are righteous under the shadow of the Almighty and they have made the Most High their dwelling place. Thus satan quoted, "For He will give His angels [especial] charge over you to accompany and defend and preserve you in all your ways [of obedience and service]. They shall bear you up on their hands, lest you dash your foot against a stone" (Amp: Psalms 91:11-12).
Christ was not deceived by Satan's ploy and quoted another verse from Deuteronomy 6:16 which paralleled His situation, "You shall not tempt and try the Lord your God as you tempted and tried Him in Massah" (Exodus 17:1-7).Unless we rely on God, our testimony in the city and our daily church life will crumble.