And he called the name of the place Massah, and Meribah, because of the chiding of the children of Israel, and because they tempted the Lord, saying, Is the Lord among us, or not? Then came Amalek, and fought with Israel in Rephidim. Exodus 17:7-8
This proclaims the fact that the smitten Rock, which gushed forth with a river of water, was not brought down because of the Righteousness and Holiness of the people, but strictly because of the Grace of God; however, for the Believer to stay on a wrong path of unbelief will ultimately bring total destruction.
The reception of the Holy Spirit, symbolised by the Smitten Rock pouring out life-giving water, immediately causes war. “Then came Amalek, and fought with Israel.” Up to this point, God had fought for them. Israel was to stand still and see His Salvation; but the Command now is to go out and fight.
There is an immense difference between Justification and Sanctification. The one is Christ fighting FOR us; the other, the Holy Spirit fighting IN us. The entrance of the new nature is the beginning of warfare with the old.
Amalek pictures the old nature. He was the grandson of Esau, who, before and after birth, tried to murder Jacob, and preferred the mess of pottage to the birthright. This carnal nature wars against the Spirit. “It is not subject to the Law of God, neither indeed can be”; and God has decreed war against it forever.
The only way that “Amalek,” i.e., the flesh, can be defeated is by the Believer ever placing his Faith in the “Smitten Rock,” i.e., “But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.” Gal. 6:14. Otherwise there is no victory! “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.” Gal. 2:20-21
LET’S PRAY
Heavenly Father, by Your Divine Mercy and Favour open my heart to Your Word for revelation and direction concerning my now and future in Jesus Name.
BENEDICTION
Now the Lord of peace HIMSELF give you peace ALWAYS by ALL means. The Lord is Faithful and is with you. Fountain!😇
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