Exodus 17:8-16
If, like the children of Israel, we have been delivered from bondage
and separated unto God, we may also expect to be attacked by the enemy
(John 15:20). The hindermost and weak and feeble ones are sure to
suffer first (Deut. 25:18). Borderland Christians get much buffeting;
beware of the lusts that lie in ambush (1 Sam. 15:2). They are the
sworn enemies of the Spirit of Christ. As an illustration of the
Christian’s spiritual conflict, let us notice:
Amalek, or the Pilgrim’s Foe
Well may we ask:
- WHO WAS HE? Amalek has not a very honorable pedigree. He is the
offspring of Esau, the brother of Jacob (closely connected), who sold
his birthright for a mess of pottage, “being carnal”, and so is a type
of the flesh. Amalek, like that which is carnal, was the first of the
nations, but like the flesh, he is doomed to perish (Num. 24:20). “That
which is born of the flesh is flesh” (John 3:6). - WHEN CAME HE? He did not annoy them till they got to Rephidim
(resting places), and drank of the smitten rock. “That Rock was Christ”
(1 Cor. 10:4). The Christless know nothing about the conflict
between flesh and spirit, the world loves its own. The onslaught took
place while Israel was resting. The unguarded moments of inactivity are
fit opportunities for the Amalek lusts of the flesh.
Joshua, or the Fight of Faith
The lusts which war against the soul are overcome through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ (Rom. 7:25).
- THE MEANS OF FAITH. “Joshua chose out men” (v.9).Faith must have
something to work by - faith which works by love. The believers’ chosen
ones are the Blood, the Spirit, and the Word. These are the Christian’s
“three mighties” (1 Jn. 5:4-7).. Put on the whole armor of God, take
the shield of faith. - THE WORK OF FAITH. “Joshua went out and fought” (v.10). Hope
waits, love submits, faith actively presses on. It is the aggressive
grace that attacks and wins the fight. “Fight the good fight of faith”
(1 Tim. 6:12). “I will show thee my faith by my works” (James 2:18).
Moses, or the Spirit of Prayer
Every “overcomer” constantly maintains a twofold attitude, the upward and the outward.
- TOWARDS GOD. There is the steady, uplifted hands of unwavering
faith (1 Jn. 5:4). It is the upward look of the effectual fervent
prayer of a righteous man. This holy privilege and power is within the
reach of all, who, like Moses, stands on the hill-top of communion with
God. - TOWARD THE ENEMY. There must be fearless and unyielding
determination. While the hands were uplifted Joshua prevailed. The
source of overcoming power is in God. It is communicated to and through
those who are in living sympathetic touch with Him. “If ye abide in Me
and My word abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be
done” (Jn. 15:7). “When I cry unto Thee, then shalt mine enemies turn
back” (Psa. 56:9).
Aaron and Hur, or the Promises of God
How often the precious promises of God have acted the part of Aaron and Hur to our feeble intercessions.
- THE PROMISES ARE STRONG. “They stayed up his hands” (v. 12). The
supplicating hands of Moses soon grow weary. The time of definite
prayer is a testing time. It is here we feel most intensely our utter
weakness and the need of supporting promises. “Take with you words”,
the succouring, unfailing words of Him who cannot lie. Lean your arm of
feeble prayer upon His sure Word of promise. - THE PROMISES ARE STEADY. “And his hands were steady” (v. 12).
Unsteady hands will not receive much from the Lord (James 1:6,7). The
promises of God never tremble. We may have weary and shaky hands, but
we have an unshaken God who fainteth not, neither is weary (Isa.
40:28,29). “He giveth power to the faint” “Uphold me with Thy
free Spirit”. Steady and sure wins the day. God’s promise to Abraham
wrought in him unstaggering faith. Keep steadily trusting and thy God
will keep steadily conquering. “I will trust and not be afraid” (Isa.
12:2).