-October 19, 2023-
Good morning beloved, happy Thursday,
“He frustrates the devices of the crafty, so that their hands cannot carry out their plans.”
(Job 5:12).
Job’s words spoken, during the time of the patriarchs, was a prophecy, a principle, and a promise of God. There have been many who have sought to destroy Israel, and also the church. In each case, God intervened and gave the victory. Today’s scenario of Hamas will be no different. Anyone who touches God’s people, touches the apple of His eye, and is doomed to utter failure.
God does two things: frustrates their devices and keeps them from accomplishing their wicked schemes. We know the devil is behind all efforts to harm and destroy Israel. There are many examples in Scripture. This list is not exhaustive but demonstrates the extent the evil one will go to destroy God’s people.
1. Pharaoh in the days of Moses
2. Balak through Balaam
3. Syrians in the days of Elisha
4. Haman in the book of Esther
5. Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon
5. Herod in the days just after the birth of Christ
6. Another Herod in the days of the early church.
In each case, God interfered and intervened in amazing and wonderful ways. He used people and circumstances to bring out their downfall. God is on our side and we are on His side. It says of Abraham and his descendants, “I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse those who curse him who curses you; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed” (Genesis 12:2-3).
Pharaoh sought to drown the baby boys, but later, another likely Pharaoh was drown along with his entire army in the Red Sea; Balak who hired Balaam found that instead of cursing Israel he actually blessed them and Israel defeated him; Haman plotted to kill all the Jews and made a gallows to hang Mordecai on, was himself and his ten sons hung on it; Nebuchadnezzar destroyed the temple and killed many, taking others in captivity to Babylon, but later his people were conquered by the Medes and Persians; The Syrians tried to kill the prophet Elisha but were struck with blindness and led right into Samaria; Herod killed babies and toddlers in his effort to kill Christ, he failed miserably and Jesus lived; and another Herod killed the Apostle James then imprisoned Peter and planned to kill him also. The Lord sent an angel to deliver him from the prison.
The final victory at Armageddon at the end of the tribulation is the greatest example of all. He will defeat and destroy all the armies that descend upon Israel. It is so encouraging that Paul wrote in Romans 8:31, “What shall we say to these things? If God be for us who can be against us.” Jesus told Peter, “And I say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18).
Have a blessed day assured of the victory. Stay and healthy.
Looking to the Victor, we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us,
Dean
Dean Allen's Daily Devotional 