Rock+and+Fortress+essay

We see in this segment some very powerful evidences of the lengths people went to to feel secure. We have been shown the contrasts between King David, King Herod, and the Zealots when it comes to their use of the rugged mountains and the Masada fortress. We know that before David became king, he fled from Saul into the mountains to hide. We know from the Psalms David wrote, how is image of how God fit in his life as deliverer, fortress, rock, refuge, carried strong ties to the rugged landscape he lived in. King Herod also lived in this landscape. However, Herod's interaction with it was to crush it, change it, carve his will into it by creating huge buildings that served as his own "man-made" fortresses. These two great men lived in the same part of the world, were kings over the same people-group, but they did not worship the same God. David loved God. Herod loved himself.

A) Please choose one of the following scripture passages to quote in italics at the top of your answer sheet. Beneith it, give me an example of how God has represented a rock or fortress in your life.

Psalm 18: 1-2, Psalm 71: 1-3, Psalm 31:2, Psalm 144: 1-2, 1 Samuel 2:2

B) It is easy to read about God being a rock for David and the people of ancient Israel. It is another matter to understand what they were saying about the God represented by that image and to consider how we can discover and depend on him in the world in which we live. Give an example of a time when you or someone you know relied on God's strength? What happened? Was God like a "rock" or a fortress in this situation? (fortress is a symbol of protection)

C) Everyone experiences some degree of difficulty and hardship. We may not be pursued by a jealous vengeful king or face possible capture and torture by an army, but we are likely to feel anxious, weak, lonely, inadequate, afraid, or unprepared when we face the challenges and injustices of life. The question is: where does your strength come from? Do you rely on yourself? Do you rely on someone else? Do you rely on God? (these are rehetorical questions). 1. Think about our memory verse for this year. Why is faithful obedience to God such an important part of a relationship with Him? Describe THE MOST DIFFICULT challenge for you here at school when it comes to obeying God.

2. Think about the list above (anxious, weak, lonely, etc...) Do you find it easy to turn to God for your needs? Answer this question with an example of a time when you felt one of the emotions listed above, and how you used God, (or didn't) in that situation.

D) Using the "Medicine not Pathogen" analogy you came up with, give an example where you feel you are more often prone to be a pathogen. How do you fight this?