“And the Philistines mustered to fight with Israel, thirty thousand chariots and six thousand horsemen and troops like the sand on the seashore in multitude. They came up and encamped in Michmash, to the east of Beth-aven. When the men of Israel saw that they were in trouble (for the people were hard pressed), the people hid themselves in caves and in holes and in rocks and in tombs and in cisterns, and some Hebrews crossed the fords of the Jordan to the land of Gad and Gilead. Saul was still at Gilgal, and all the people followed him trembling.” (1 Samuel 13:5-7 ESV)
This was a scary battle. They had to take cover and escape without notice and follow their leader while being terrified. Do we ever feel that way in this life? We are fighting a spiritual battle daily. We too have to “take cover’ and “follow our leader” even when we are afraid, or maybe especially when we are afraid.
“Thus says the Lord of hosts: The people of Israel are oppressed, and the people of Judah with them. All who took them captive have held them fast; they refuse to let them go. Their Redeemer is strong; the Lord of hosts is His name. He will surely plead their cause, that he may give rest to the earth, but unrest to the inhabitants of Babylon.” (Jeremiah 50:33-34 ESV)
The Israelites are in bondage. But there is good news – their Redeemer is strong. He is the same Redeemer that we have today. No matter what might be oppressing us in our lives, it doesn’t have to stay that way. There is a way out!
“Blessed be the Lord! For He has heard the voice of my please for mercy. The Lord is my strength and my shield; in Him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to Him. The Lord is the strength of His people; He is the saving refuge of His anointed. Oh, save your people and bless your heritage! Be their shepherd and carry them forever.” (Psalm 28:6-9 ESV)
We can chant along with the Psalmist. ‘The Lord is our strength, our shield and our shepherd. He helps us and saves us. We can trust Him and He will bless us and carry us forever.’ What a comfort to know this!
“For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen!” (Romans 11:36 ESV)
~Kellie
Sixty-six books in a year 