Dear Family,
Today is Monday, May 18, 2020; and, it is Day 37 in our Counting toward Pentecost. This is the 2nd day of Week 6.
Just Who is this great God Who has made us and called us and saved us and sustains us? Certainly, we know some things about Him. These are revealed bit by bit as we walk with Him, and we seek His face. And yet, there is still much to learn about God.
In this Church era that is most certainly a time of great grace and mercy, some professing Christians tend to overlook that the LORD is a man of war as well as a kind, gentle, loving Being.
God is never at a loss to handle any situation He finds among men or angels. His power is limitless. And, He has chosen to call Himself a man of war. We first learn of this title in Exodus 15 in the song of Moses, composed just after God destroyed Pharaoh and his army in the Red Sea. Notice especially verse 3.
Exodus 15:1-18 (1) Then sang Moses and the children of Israel this song unto the LORD, and spake, saying, I will sing unto the LORD, for He hath triumphed gloriously: the horse and his rider hath He thrown into the sea. (2) The LORD is my strength and song, and He is become my salvation: He is my God, and I will prepare Him an habitation; my father’s God, and I will exalt Him. (3) The LORD is a man of war: the LORD is His name. Pharaoh’s chariots and his host hath He cast into the sea: his chosen captains also are drowned in the Red sea. (5) The depths have covered them: they sank into the bottom as a stone. (6) Thy right hand, O LORD, is become glorious in power: Thy right hand, O LORD, hath dashed in pieces the enemy. (7) And in the greatness of Thine excellency thou hast overthrown them that rose up against Thee: Thou sentest forth Thy wrath, which consumed them as stubble. (8) And with the blast of Thy nostrils the waters were gathered together, the floods stood upright as an heap, and the depths were congealed in the heart of the sea. (9) The enemy said, I will pursue, I will overtake, I will divide the spoil; my lust shall be satisfied upon them; I will draw my sword, my hand shall destroy them. (10) Thou didst blow with Thy wind, the sea covered them: they sank as lead in the mighty waters. (11) Who is like unto Thee, O LORD, among the gods? Who is like Thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders? (12) Thou stretchedst out Thy right hand, the earth swallowed them. (13) Thou in Thy mercy hast led forth the people which Thou hast redeemed: Thou hast guided them in Thy strength unto Thy holy habitation. (14) The people shall hear, and be afraid: sorrow shall take hold on the inhabitants of Palestina. (15) Then the dukes of Edom shall be amazed; the mighty men of Moab, trembling shall take hold upon them; all the inhabitants of Canaan shall melt away. (16) Fear and dread shall fall upon them; by the greatness of Thine arm they shall be as still as a stone; till Thy people pass over, O LORD, till the people pass over, which Thou hast purchased. (17) Thou shalt bring them in, and plant them in the mountain of Thine inheritance, in the place, O LORD, which Thou hast made for Thee to dwell in, in the Sanctuary, O LORD, which Thy hands have established. (18) The LORD shall reign for ever and ever.
God has no intention to allow Himself to be overrun. Yet, God allows enemies to attack us. Surely, He has eternal purpose for us that is only good. He wants us to learn to do battle just as He does. As we know the story of Amalek contains this lesson because God used humans to assist in the battle. Even the Psalmist was aware of this purpose of God.
Psalm 144:1-2 (1) Blessed be the LORD my strength which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight: (2) My goodness, and my fortress; my high tower, and my deliverer; my shield, and He in whom I trust; who subdueth my people under me.
Perhaps we may find it difficult to think of ourselves as warriors; however, that seems to be a thread that runs through the pages of the Bible. The key is having God show us what to battle and how to battle.
May God bless us that we become ALL that He is creating us to be.
Ben Faulkner
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