Monday, April 21, 2014

Living With The Enemy

When Gid brought Israel into the Promised Land, one of the first and most persistent obstacles was the Amalekite nation. In Exodus 17, we see them warring against Moses and they were to be "be at war against the Amalekites from generation to generation" (Ex 17:16).

The reason for the continued presence and offence of the Amalekites was that Israel, instead of destroying them, sought to live with them and make treaties with them. They sought to obey God's direction to fully occupy the land and allow the enemy of Gid, the Amalekites, to occupy it with them. 

In 1 Samuel 15, we find the undoing of Israel's first king, Saul, because he let Agag, King of the Amalekites, live. It was their folly to seek to live as God's people and with His enemy at the same time. It rather reminds me of Jesus warning that "You cannot serve both God and money" (Luke 17:13).

What about you, is there an Amalekite in your midst?  Are you trying to hold to a relationship that pulls you away from God?  Are you hanging on to a job that constantly puts up barriers to your life of faith?  Are you harboring an addiction instead of declaring all-out war against it?  Is the pursuit of money a rival with your pursuit of godliness?  Is there an Amalekite in your camp that needs to be routed out entirely that you have been unwilling to stand against with your full might?

Jus' Askn. 

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