Dear Family,
Today is Friday, May 20, 2022, Day 6 of Week 5. This is the 34th Day in our Count to Pentecost.
Exodus 17:9 And Moses said unto Joshua; Choose us out men, and go out, fight with Amalek: tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in mine hand.
The battle with Amalek waged all day and required divine assistance. As Moses lifted up his rod. Israel prevailed, but when Moses grew tired and lowered his rod, Amalek prevailed, even though the same warriors were battling the same foe all day. However, there was no doubt about who would win the battle and “discomfit” Amalek. God never intended that Israel should lose this significant battle.
Exodus 17:13 And Joshua discomfited Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword.
There are a number of useful parallels that can be drawn between the physical battle with Amalek and the spiritual battles we face as true Believers.
For example, Joshua, whose name means YHVH’s Salvation, is a type of our Savior Jesus Christ.
The Israelite warriors were chosen; they were not volunteers. The battle took the entire day with no periods of inactivity or rest from the battle. The outcome of the battle was never in doubt, but the warriors still had to fight. There was no place for defeat or retreat. The “edge of the sword” is parallel to our using God’s Word, the truth that sets us free. Moses’ raising of his rod is a symbol of reaching up to God for His required intervention for victory. When we are not reaching up to God for divine intervention, the enemy can temporarily prevail. When we look to God and depend on Him, it is clear that we will win, yet, the battle rages until the end of day (we must overcome to the end). And, when we grow weary, we need others who will help us continue to reach up to God until the final victory. Then, when the battle is over, we are to raise up the standard, the banner – like a flag, that serves as a sign to all that we are under the authority of the Sovereign, Almighty God! And He gets the glory!
Brethren, let us proceed to fight the good fight of faith that God has laid before us, constantly reaching up to God, trusting Him, and raising up a Banner that lets everyone know we belong to God, and that we are giving God all the glory for the strength and the victories He provides. The battle belongs to the LORD!
Ben Faulkner, Pastor
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