Dear Family,
Today is Sunday, May 21, 2023. It is Day 43; Day 1 of Week 7 in our Count to Pentecost.
As we begin this last week of our Count to Pentecost, let us consider one of the possible reasons why God said He would war against Amalek through all generations.
The Bible has several references to Amalek. His beginnings go back to Esau’s line. Apparently, Amalek was born to Esau’s son, Eliphaz, and a concubine named Timna.
Genesis 36:12(A) And Timna was concubine to Eliphaz Esau’s son; and she bare to Eliphaz Amalek….
Although Esau was Israel’s brother (originally named Jacob), there was much animosity between them. Amalek’s bloodline, through Esau, apparently brought with it a set of tendencies against God and His people. Esau preferred the temporary satisfaction of food over the future blessings from God. He was attracted to pagans and idolatry. And, Amalek was attracted to treachery and violence. His ruthless tactics included attacking the elderly, the sick, and the weak from the rear.
Deuteronomy 25:18 How he met thee by the way, and smote the hindmost of thee, even all that were feeble behind thee, when thou wast faint and weary; and he feared not God. When we consider a parallel between the physical and the spiritual, we can see that spiritual Amalekites attack us when we are feeble, faint, and weary. Only God can deliver us from such attacks. Only God can provide the spiritual health and strength we need. In several places in the Scriptures, God reveals a way for us to be “strong.”
Nehemiah 8:10 Then he said unto them; Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our LORD: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.
Ephesians 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
As we progress to Pentecost, let us keep in mind this valuable lesson. We all need to be spiritually alert and strong. Strength to overcome and become sons of God started for us at Pentecost about 2000 years ago. May God bless us with more and more of the joy of the Lord, His power; and, His divine nature.
Ben Faulkner, Pastor
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