Enemies In the Land

Judges 3:1-6 ‘These are the nations the LORD left to test all those Israelites who had not experienced any of the wars in Canaan  (he did this only to teach warfare to the descendants of the Israelites who had not had previous battle experience):  the five rulers of the Philistines, all the Canaanites, the Sidonians, and the Hivites living in the Lebanon mountains from Mount Baal Hermon to Lebo Hamath.  They were left to test the Israelites to see whether they would obey the LORD’s commands, which he had given their forefathers through Moses. The Israelites lived among the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites. They took their daughters in marriage and gave their own daughters to their sons, and served their gods.’

From the passage above, in all 8 distinct people groups (all enemies of Israel) were left to dwell within the land. We read of the Philistines, Canaanites, Sidonians, Hivities, Hittites, Amorities, Perizzites, and the Jebusites.

God did not want them living on within the land but due to Israel’s disobedience, He left them for 2 distinct reasons which are mentioned in the passage above: that is, for testing, and for teaching.

The name ‘Philistine’ means ‘wallowing’ or to ‘wallow self’. The dictionary says that wallowing means ‘roll about in or to give oneself over to, or revel in, a feeling, or way of life. Example: To wallow in self pity, to wallow in riches.’

Now, we read that there were five Lords over the Philistines and if you will allow me a little lee-way here I would like to suggest that these stand for five different aspects of our sinful nature in regards to wallowing: Namely, self-pity, self-depreciation, self-importance, self-indulgence, and self-pleasure. The Philistines speak of our great enemy ‘self’ in all the delicious forms it comes in. Doesn’t matter whether you are wallowing in the depths of self-pity or are giving yourself over to worldly indulgence or self-importance, one thing is for sure – there are stinking Philistines in the land! And don’t forget this either – of all the enemies of Israel, the Philistines were the greatest and lasted the longest!

The name Canaanite means ‘merchant, or trafficker’ and this is exactly what they were. Harpers Bible dictionary states that ‘the Canaanites enjoyed a reputation as traders.’ They lived within the land and were happy to remain there just so long as the trading and profit were good! Do we not see this Canaanite principle all around us in western Christianity? The principle of looking ‘religious’ or going to church, simply for what you can get out of it! This may be for monetary gain , or social gain… it is Canaanites within the land!

Now this one gets me. The third major people group that lived on within the land were the Hittites. The Hittite empire was one of the largest in ancient times and it’s people were very strong, spreading out over an immense area. The name Hittite is derived from the name ‘Heth’ and means ‘sons of terror’. It is the principle, or spirit, of fear that seeks to dominate our Christian lives. Now the Hittite empire may have come and gone, but its principle of fear certainly hasn’t. How many Christians still live in fear?

The next major people group we find in the land were the Amorites. The word Amorite means ‘a talker, to say, speak’. It is also interesting to see that it is derived from a word that can be used in the sense of self-boasting or commanding. So the Amorites speak of words without action . It is the very principle that Jesus warned His disciples against when He spoke of the Pharisees saying ‘obey them and do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach.

The names Hivites and Perizzites have the same meaning. Hivites means ‘a villager’, and Perizzites means ‘rustic or belonging to a village’. In the Amorites you had a talker, someone who liked to command and thought very highly of himself. The Hivites and Perizzites represent the other side of the coin – the villager or commoner mentality. Someone who constantly downplays him or herself to the point where they do not think God can use them. Now, some boast of self, some downplay self, but sure enough, self is still the focus! Into this category of the villager mentality we could put two great ‘stars’ of the Old Testament – namely Moses  and Gideon . But both overcame this attitude and were greatly used of the Lord.

Finally we have the Sidonians and the Jebusites. Sidonian means ‘hunting’ and reminds us of the battle that we are in where ‘our adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.’

The last enemy mention Jebusite means ‘to trample, tread down’ and speaks of the desired end result of our combined enemies. The Jebusites dwelt around and in Jerusalem and there is evidence that Jebus was the pre-Davidic name for Jerusalem.  Think about your life for a sec… have you been giving the enemy a place that should be reserved for God?
ed is the Jebusites.

Two things remember? God said that He would use those nations to test Israel, and to teach warfare to Israel. So firstly, there is a test…

Judges 2:22, 22 so that through them I may test Israel, whether they will keep the ways of the LORD, to walk in them as their fathers kept them, or not.”

So let me ask you… what enemies remain in your life? Are you given to Hittite fear, Philistine self-wallowing, Canaanite worldliness or Amorite hypocrisy? We are all different and as such, we all have different areas of weakness.

Never forget, there is no bondage or weakness too strong or mighty for the Lord! He can and will deliver us out of them all!!

Transformation is Voluntary

John 2: 23-25, 23 Now when He was in Jerusalem at the Passover, during the feast, many believed in His name when they saw the signs which He did. 24 But Jesus did not commit Himself to them, because He knew all men, 25 and had no need that anyone should testify of man, for He knew what was in man.

Our Lord is a Gentleman...He will Never make you and I do something we do not want to do. He will never force Himself upon us...we Must seek Him out and come to Him if we are to be truly transformed. This will take a life that is tired of sin, and is ready to fully embrace what God wants to deposit within us.

So many times, people place limitations and restrictions on our Lord while looking for His freedom...not realizing that Total Surrender is all that is necessary for the Transformation to begin.

Philippians 1: 6 - 6 being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;

Once the Lord is allowed total access to your life - the Transformation can truly begin and end...somewhere, you and I must allow Jesus to win! He must win over our will and desires in order for us to truly be changed by His Love and Grace. All of the power of God in the world means nothing to you without your cooperation!

He can really transform your life...will you let Him?

True Riches or Temporary Possessions

Mark 10:17-22
Jesus Counsels the Rich Young Ruler

17 Now as He was going out on the road, one came running, knelt before Him, and asked Him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?”

18 So Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. 19 You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery,’ ‘Do not murder,’ ‘Do not steal,’ ‘Do not bear false witness,’ ‘Do not defraud,’ ‘Honor your father and your mother.’” 20 And he answered and said to Him, “Teacher, all these things I have kept from my youth.” 21 Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.” 22 But he was sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

You know, it's easy to understand why the Rich Young Ruler walked away - obviously because he didn't want to part with his riches...but it does make me wonder about what Jesus asked him to do

He told him to sell his possessions, give it to the poor and follow Him...what's wrong with that? After all, Jesus NEVER asked him to stop being a RULER! He never asked him for his riches, just his possessions...hmmm

I believe when Jesus challenges us to give, many of us overreact - we feel as though Jesus is asking us to take a vow of poverty and that's not true at all...Jesus is simply after things that keep us from Him...you see, the possessions had a grip on his life, not his position or his riches.

This man didn't become rich or a ruler because of his possessions...that's not the problem...the problems started when he took the riches that God blessed him with, and begin to purchase things in the name of self image and prestige...this caused this young man's heart to be contrary to the voice of God...

O, didn't I tell you? The rich young ruler was a bona fide believer! He adhered to the 10 Commandments from his youth! The possessions however, challenged his faith - this is what Jesus was after...He's also challenging you and I to do the same thing...when our investments go awry...see, your investments reflect the condition of your heart...Jesus will ask for it EVERY TIME because He knows that once He's lost your HEART - your FAITH will eventually follow...

Sell you possessions, give to the poor, follow Jesus, and you'll know what it is to have true treasures

A Call To Fruitfulness

Mark 4:26-29
New King James Version (NKJV)
The Parable of the Growing Seed

26 And He said, “The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground, 27 and should sleep by night and rise by day, and the seed should sprout and grow, he himself does not know how. 28 For the earth yields crops by itself: first the blade, then the head, after that the full grain in the head. 29 But when the grain ripens, immediately he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.”

Fruitfulness is a Command. Since the beginning, God has always applied the pressure on us to bear fruit.  Gen. 1: 28 - 'Be fruitful and multiply...'

In order for you and I to be fruitful and develop into the child of God He wants us to be; first of all, we must understand the full scope of what it means to be fruitful. As a disciple, I was raised in an environment that displayed fruitfulness as a dynamic related to soul winning. While this may have some truth in it, that is not all that fruitfulness is...in it's base definition, it simply means to 'Produce'

This can be seen in soul-winning, but it's also seen in marriage, child-bearing, money making, etc. There's a reason why Jesus has examples of fruitfulness or the lack thereof throughout the bible; He's commanding us to rise up and bear fruit.

Matthew 3:8
New King James Version (NKJV)
8 Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance,

John the Baptist was challenging the religious people of his day telling them that God is not impressed by their rituals and traditions, He's looking for the fruit of repentance in their lives! He's looking for this same fruit in our lives. Ask yourself, what are you producing for God? Believe it or not, we're producing something - be it good or bad; worthy or unworthy...

Now, concerning fruitfulness, there are a few things I would like to point out in the text above...first, it says that in order for this farmer to be fruitful, he must scatter seed. God will do something, once we do something. Secondly, he calls this fruitfulness a mystery for he does not know how it's done...but the Word tells us that the earth yields the crop...in other words, the developing of a soul is God's business, not ours...God said that He will build the church, we simply need to get them there and make disciples.

I love the personal discipline found in this scripture - it says that the man would sleep by night and rise by day...it's night time...GO TO BED!  So many Christians are bound with Night Fever, and usually end up doing something their going to regret...it also attacks laziness...it tells us the man RISES BY DAY > YES, GET UP OUT OF THE BED AND GO PRODUCE SOMETHING!!

We cannot complain about our present circumstances, if we refuse to do anything about it. The call should always be, 'I must bear fruit!'

The Mercy of God

Isa. 10: 1-4, 'Woe to those who decree unrighteous decrees, who write misfortune, which they have prescribed to rob the needy of justice, and to take what is right from the poor of My people, that widows may be their prey, and that they may rob the fatherless. What will you do in the day of punishment, and in the desolation which will come from afar? To whom will you flee for help? And where will you leave your glory? Without Me they shall bow down among the prisoners, and they shall fall among the slain.' For all this His anger is not turned away, but His hand is stretched out still.'

It's simply in God's nature to reach for redemption rather than revenge like we do. It's a miracle that we are still living today! God has so much love and mercy for us, His forbearance and patience bring peace knowing that even in our darkest hour - His hand is stretched out still.

Eph. 4: 30 - 'And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.'

This is very interesting because unfortunately we grieve the Holy Spirit all the time...our fleshly decision-making can in fact mock His Spirit...but what bothers me about this scripture is the part about '...day of redemption.'

This gives the impression that, I can ask God to forgive me, live for Him, but if I fail to trust Him, rebel against His word...refuse to have His spirit IN me, I will not be sealed on the day of redemption.

Ps. 78: 36-39, 'Nevertheless they flattered Him with their mouth, and they lied to Him with their tongue; for their heart was not steadfast with Him, nor were they faithful in His covenant. But He, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity, and did not destroy them. Yes, many a time He turned His anger away, and did not stir up all His wrath; for He remembered that they were but flesh, a breath that passes away and does not come again.'

God's mercy outweighs justice!

The key is understanding the difference between having God with us versus having God IN us...I can't argue whether or not God is with you, but what about dwelling IN you? This is seen when your flesh is at its weakest point.

The mercy of God is every present, He's waiting for you and I to run to Him; in Him alone will we find the mercy and forgiveness necessary to survive

Bread or Stones

Matt. 4: 1 - 4, 'Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After Jesus fasted for 40 days and 40 nights, He was hungry. The tempter came to Him and said, 'If You are the Son of God, command these stones to become bread.'  But Jesus replied, 'It is written, Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes out of the mouth of God'

This is an all too familiar story about the true testing of Jesus before He entered into His ministry and later on His destiny. It's interesting to me that the first trial that Jesus had to go through was a test of selfishness and coveteousness. This is usually the first thing the devil will tempt us with. He knows that many of us have our hearts linked to our money! If he can control our money, than he can eventually control our hearts too!

He tells Jesus to turn stones into bread. Now, what are stones used for? They are usually used for building and construction...but the devil wanted Him to transform them into something that would satisfy His flesh. Has the devil asked you to turn stones into bread?  In other words, your tithes and offerings, (Stones used to build the house of God), he wants you to use on yourself!

There are a few people who have actually done this! The only thing you get out of it, is satisfaction for a moment, but then cursings follow because when you tamper with God's tithes, you bring a curse upon yourself!!  I would go as far as to say, we need to turn some of our 'bread' into stones!!  Income tax is upon us, and it's the time where many believers get a lot of 'BREAD'. I wonder what God could do through your life if you would turn that into stones to build His house!!

Jesus told the devil that He doesn't have to satisfy Himself - all of His satisfaction comes from the Word of God! Is this where your satisfaction comes from? Do you need more than the Word to satisfy you? It all depends on what is really going on in your heart. Either your resources and your heart are used for stones, or you're too busy feasting on bread...which one?

Selected By God

Ezekiel 22:30-31

30 So I sought for a man among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found no one. 31 Therefore I have poured out My indignation on them; I have consumed them with the fire of My wrath; and I have recompensed their deeds on their own heads,” says the Lord God.

Our generation is in grave danger without a preacher of the gospel. It is time for men and women to rise up and be the people God called us to be. Look at the specifics of God's requirements to withhold His wrath.

First, He said he sought for a Man. Listen, although this is contrary to popular opinion...God is patriarchal. He has and will always move through MEN.  In the garden, He said, 'Adam, where are you?' In fact, judgment didn't happen until Adam ate of the fruit...but anyway, I digress.  God sought for a man!  Manhood is under attack!!  If the devil can take manhood out of men, he's successfully weakened the home, the community, and the nation at large.  Wake up people!!

Secondly, God didn't just seek a man, He wanted a man to build a wall!  Much like what Nehemiah was called to do...we are to do the same thing gentlemen...that is, we are called by God to fortify a free people!! According to the book of Nehemiah, the children of Israel were freed, but upon their arrival in their home town, they soon realized that the walls of their city was torn down leaving them defenseless...God moved upon Nehemiah to be the man that would rally God's people to build a wall of defense and fortify the city! This is what we've been called to do in our home and our own cities...BUILD A WALL!

Finally, God wants us to stand in the gap...this means, we are to be The bridge between Mankind and the Cross...the lost are to look at our exampleship in Christ, and be inspired to follow!

Prov. 11:30 - 'The fruit of the righteous is the tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise'

The scripture says that God couldn't find anyone who would stand up and do these things, so he poured out His indignation on a generation of people. This implies that God's judgment is essentially our fault!!  I now know why Paul said what he said, 'Woe unto me if I do not preach the gospel!'

Will you be that man? Will you build a wall, stand in the gap for your generation? Come on man, let's go do what the Lord has commanded!!