The wilderness
... that tract of
land between Egypt and Canaan, would serve as the WestPoint for Israel's
first and arguably greatest General.
"Then came
Amalek..." (Exodus 17:8)
Isn't it true ... no sooner it
seems than we gain some great victory in our Christian life, on comes
the enemy in a counter assault to take back what GOD has given us.
Exodus 14 is the account of the Passover and subsequent Exodus of Israel
from Egypt and 400 plus years of slavery. This of course was an enormous victory for
GOD'S people and a humiliating defeat for GOD'S enemies! Almost immediately, we
find: ... then came the Red Sea ... then came Pharoah's army ... then
came the murmuring and complaining ... and here just days after
leaving Egypt ... then came Amalek. Wave after wave of
opposition to forward progress toward GOD'S will and promise ... sound
familiar?
Salvation, the ultimate
Biblical Passover of GOD through HIS SON on Calvary, is both the end
and the means to all the LORD has intended for us. The end of
sin's power to damn eternally and the means to conquer its menacing
presence on this side of the believer's Jordon (Heaven). However,
to maintain spiritual momentum, one must rehearse daily the Field Manual
(Bible) and attend to the Drill Instructor (HOLY SPIRIT). Joshua
submitted eagerly to his training and graduated top in his class to
become the hand picked successor of Moses to lead the
charge into the Promised Land.
My friend, GOD is still seeking candidates
with teachable hearts to pass faithfully through the Academy of Grace
and on to lead their lives, families, churches, neighbors, communities,
or even nations to the fulfillment of HIS promises (2
Chronicles 16:9). But remember,
if you enlist, don't expect the sea to be calm, just be assured WHO
commands the bridge and in the midst of sure storms to come
"rehearse" the greatness of our
COMMANDER (Joshua 5:13-15).
