Then the LORD said to Moses, “Write this for a memorial in the book and recount it in the hearing of Joshua, that I will utterly blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven.” And Moses built an altar and called its name, The-LORD-Is-My-Victory; for he said, “Because the LORD has sworn: the LORD will have war with Amalek from generation to generation” (Exodus 17:14-16).
Amalek means those who bring discouragement; those who harass you and frustrate you. Have you ever had anyone on the job, at school, in your neighborhood, in the gym or anywhere for that matter that discourages, frustrates, or harasses you? If so, then you are probably doing something right. Even Jesus had evil people sent to frustrate Him, trick Him, and test Him. This is the metaphorical idea of Amalek sent to hinder you. In the ministry part of Peter’s life, he was harassed by evil influences (Amalek of his day). They beat him and tried to cut his head off.
In the ministry part of Paul’s life, evil people (Amalek of his day) constantly frustrated him. They were like a thorn in his flesh, people influenced by Satan (Amalek). The term “thorn in the flesh” is mentioned three times in the Bible. Every time this phrase is used it is referring to people who attack and frustrate. This is like our modern metaphor: “That guy is a pain in the neck.” In fact, the people in Acts chapters 15-17 were Paul’s “thorn in the flesh” sent to harass and discourage him. Every time “thorn in the flesh” is mentioned in the Bible it refers to enemy people. Paul’s “thorn in the flesh” was people; messengers of Satan sent to harass him (2 Cor 12:7).
Stand on this: All who live life full on for God will suffer persecution. This is sound New Testament doctrine. The good news, however, is that in the middle of it all, God will be our victory. He will remove Amalek out of our life in time.
The Holy Spirit gives us two great promises from the encouraging letters of Paul. First, thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Cor 15:57). Second, Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. To the one we are the aroma of death leading to death, and to the other the aroma of life leading to life. And who is sufficient for these things? (2 Cor 2:14-17). How amazing is our God to use the good times in life and the challenging situations in life to make us into “the aroma of Life” for others?
Meditate for five minutes on this lesson.
Journal one whole page.
Pray this Prayer: Father, I thank You for paying the awesome price to redeem me. I invite you into my life to be my personal present-tense victory. You are my Jehovah Nissi! In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen!
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