Exodus 17:15 “And Moses built an altar and called its name, Jehovah Nissi or “the Lord is my banner.”
This past Sunday we looked at God’s revelation to Moses and the children of Israel as their banner or covering. What was He covering them from? Why did they need a covering?
Remember, they were being confronted and attacked by the Amalekites… Unlike the Philistines and the Babylonians and all the other enemies of Israel the Amalekites were representative of the spiritual battle that existed then and still exists today…
Paul tells us, “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:12
You see, as we discussed whether we realize it or not… you and I as believers in Jesus, and adopted sons and daughters are in the midst of a real spiritual battle. In this battle we really only have one of two choices: 1.) Trust in God’s Spirit to raise up a banner over us for victory or 2.) Surrender to unbelief giving in to the enemy.
Recently National Geographic ran an article about the Alaskan bull moose. The males of the species battle for dominance during the fall breeding season, literally going head-to-head with antlers crunching together as they collide. Often the antlers, their only weapon are broken. That ensures defeat. The heftiest moose, with the largest and strongest antlers, triumphs. Therefore, the battle fought in the fall is really won during the summer, when the moose eat continually. The one that consumes the best diet for growing antlers and gaining weight will be the heavyweight in the fight. Those that eat inadequately sport weaker antlers and less bulk. There is a lesson here for us. Spiritual battles await. Satan will choose a season to attack. Will we be victorious, or will we fall? Much depends on what we do now–before the wars begin. The bull-moose principle: Enduring faith, strength, and wisdom for trials are best developed before they’re needed.
May God give you grace to grow and endure and stand in the midst of Satan’s attempts to lure you to give up on Jesus. Stay close to Him no matter what.
By His Spirit,
Pastor Bill