In 1 Kings 20, Israel, God’s people, is confronted by an enemy called the Arameans. The discourse starts when the king of the Arameans, called King Ben-hadad, asks the king of Israel, King Ahab, to surrender all his silver, gold, wives and best children. King Ahab, not wanting conflict, agrees. Then, King Ben-hadad gets greedy, and sends another request saying that he will not only take all of King Ahab’s things, but also his soldiers will take all the valuables from every household in Israel.
Give the devil an inch, he will take a mile.
After consulting with the elders, King Ahab said that he will not accept the second request, so both armies prepared for war. However, before the battle, a prophet, who is someone who speaks for God, told King Ahab that God would make Israel victorious as long as he followed God’s instructions. Indeed, King Ahab listened, and the Israelites won the battle.
Afterwards, the prophet came back and told King Ahab to prepare again for battle because the enemy will return. Now, the capital of Israel is called Samaria, which is on a hill. The reason King Ben-hadad returned was because he thought God could only help his people in the hills. But if they attacked from the valleys, then God could not help them.
They believed that God was confined to a specific location.
However, King Ben-hadad and his officers were wrong, and God made the Israelites victorious again.
Now, the illustrations in the Old Testament is an archetype or example of that in the New Testament.
Remember the story between David and Goliath. David, being a shepherd boy, used 5 smooth stones to kill Goliath. In today’s age, we do not literally fight physical giants, but there are experiences and challenges that we face that feel like Goliaths. Therefore, the illustrations given in the Old Testament can help us understand what we experience in our lives now under the New Testament.
Life has many hills and valleys, but who can help us be victorious in them all?
God, the Father through Jesus Christ!
I can personally attest to this! This summer has been a rollercoaster. I have experienced highs such as travelling to Punta Cana for a destination wedding and moving into my first home and also lows such as having a miscarriage. But through it all, I know that God is making me victorious!
I am here to say that no matter what you are going through, no matter how great or how low you are feeling, you can call on Jesus to help you!
That is the purpose of these life experiences. To make you desire His help, comfort, and guidance more than anything. The Bible says that if you only have hope in this life, then you are most miserable (1 Corinthians 15:19). There is more to this life, then your problems. There is eternal life, and by focusing on Jesus, He will impart into you righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost that will allow you to make it through this life.
Call on Jesus today and be blessed!
Cindi
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