THE LIVES OF THE PATRIARCHS #116 | THE LIFE OF MOSES #97
Pastor Christopher Choo
Lesson 3801
THE LIVES OF THE PATRIARCHS #116
THE LIFE OF MOSES #97
FROM ELIM TO THE WILDERNESS OF SIN #8
Th Battle of Rephidim #1
In their wilderness trek to the Promised Land, the fledgling nation of Israel had to face two cruel enemies - nature ( no water, no bread, no meat ) and man ( the Amalekites their first enemy).
After God miraculously provided water for His people, Amalekite warriors confronted the Hebrews at a place called “Refreshments,” or Rephidim, traditionally thought to be present-day Wadi Refayld near Jebel Musa (traditional Mount Sinai).
On a hill above the battle, Moses held up his staff with both hands. As long as Moses lifted the staff of God, Israel prevailed against the Amalekites. But as soon as his weary arms dropped, the enemy began to win.
The action clearly revealed the means of victory in battle—a principle illustrated by the name of one we see in this passage for the first time in Scripture: Joshua,
“The Lord Saves.”
Only by absolute
dependence on God can His people rise above their enemies.
At Rephidim, through the means of water and war, God taught Israel a truth they would need in the Promised Land:
He alone gives Provision and Protection.
This principle remains just as real in our spiritual life.
Our enemy is not a nation, or a religion, nor disease.
Our greatest enemy is a spiritual being, Satan, who has nothing less than our complete destruction as his patient pursuit. He prowls around like a lion, looking for those who fail to keep alert (1 Pet. 5:8).
" The devil does not sleep . . . therefore, you must never cease your preparation for battle, because on the right and on the left are enemies who never rest."—Thomas à Kempis
Only as we close our eyes in prayer each day can we see the truth: God alone gives victory.
The invisible world looms just as real today as the world that dominates our sight.
Indeed God is our YHVH Nissi - our covering banner in war and peace.
Let us proclaim the words of
Psalm 18:2 -
"The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold."
