FRIDAY 1 July, 2016
Drawn into Battle
Therefore I advise that all Israel be fully gathered to you, from Dan to Beersheba, like the sand that is by the sea for multitude, and that you go to battle in person.So we will come upon him in some place where he may be found, and we will fall on him as the dew falls on the ground. And of him and all the men who are with him there shall not be left so much as one. - 2 Samuel 17:11-12
Hushai had a different view point. This battle would no longer be about one person’s personal vendetta; Ahithophel’s meager attempt to seek and destroy David with only twelve thousand men. He advised a war of immense magnitude. All Israel, an army of men as the sand of the sea, would be gathered behind Absalom. The son would meet his father on the battle field. Sword against sword; a nation divided, until David and his mighty men were obliterated by the multitudes.
This was incredibly sad––instead of a father and son riding together in unity against the Lord’s enemies they would battle against each other. As plans were being considered; what would be the awful outcome? In times of crisis we do not always see the outcome. We do not hear all the secret plans of our enemies behind the scenes. In fact, we are blind to their thoughts and the intents of their hearts. But God is not; He is all seeing and all hearing.
In a difficult time Hagar, who was with child, ran away from Sarai who dealt with her harshly. But God met her in the wilderness, He had seen and heard what had happened and encouraged her to return. He told her the outcome would be favorable and let her know the future concerning her son. God had not only seen but heard Hagar’s affliction and appeared to help her. Hagar called the name of the Lord El Roi––You are the God who sees (Genesis 16:13). She had learned a new attribute of God.
To know God's name is to know something of his nature.
~John Blanchard~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit Somebodylovesyouradio.org!
