Overcoming Our Enemy

O. T. #1617  "Overcoming Our Enemy"
Jan. 30, 2020
Isaiah 36

LET IT GLOW

II. Historic Interlude
Here is a historical interlude placed in the middle of Isaiah's prophecies. King Hezekiah was on the throne in Judah and Sennacherib was king in Assyria. (There is a controversy as to when these events took place.) These two men and countries are enemies.
Here is some background: The king of Assyria captured 46 towns and over 200,000 people in Judah. Now his field commander, Rabshakeh, and his army are threatening to put Jerusalem under siege outside the city walls. Hezekiah saw this coming and he had the water supply brought into the city through the Siloam tunnel (2 Kings20:20). The Assyrians would not have water, then.

Even though we know how it all turns out in the end, stick with me, friend. We can apply this to our life. Remember, God is in control. His purpose for all of this is to bring the people of Judah to repentance and worship only God.

LET IT GROW

King Hezekiah sent three messengers to deal with Rabshakeh, who spoke for Assyria's king. Since these men are enemies, we can learn from the tactics of Assyria (using NLT):

1. The enemy challenges our faith. Keep in mind, he doesn't have the full picture. What are you trusting in that makes you so confident? (verse 4)
2. The enemy threatens to get us, but he's not stronger than God. With your tiny army, how can you think of challenging even the weakest contingent of my master's troops, even with the help of Egypt's chariots and charioteers? (verse 9)
3. The enemy tests our loyalty to God and challenges our knowledge of God's Word. We are tempted to compromise (Gal. 1:10). The LORD himself told us, "Attack this land and destroy it!" (verse 10)
4. The enemy threatens us with fear. They will be so hungry and thirsty that they will eat their own dung and drink their own urine. (verse 12)  2Timothy 1:7; Ps. 56:3
5. The enemy seeks to divide us. Don't let Hezekiah deceive you. He will never be able to rescue you.  (verse 14) 1 Cor. 12:26; Eph. 2-3
6. The enemy offers alternatives to spare us. Make peace with me-open the gates and come out. I will arrange to take you another land like this one-a land of grain and new wine, bread and vineyards. (verses 16-17)
7. The enemy challenges God's power to deliver us. What makes you think that the LORD can rescue Jerusalem from me? (verse 20) Ps. 103:19

Our enemy, Satan, is diligently working in the lives of believers to destroy our faith and our witness. May our faith be strengthened as we recognize his workings. Let us encourage each other.

LET IT GO
Keep my faith strong in Jesus.
God is stronger than the evil one.
Stay in the Word of God.
Let God replace my fear with His love, power, and a sound mind.
Recognize temptations to sin.
God has all power to deliver today.