Daily Devotionals

Come, let's wipe them out as a nation; let the name of Isra'el be remembered no more! (Psalms 83:4 [5])

One of the realities of living in Israel is the everpresent threat of war. Many of the peoples that surround us are controlled by the same spirits that motivated their ancestors who occupied those same geographical locations. When Asaph wrote this psalm three thousand years ago, he listed the names of those who sought Israel's destruction. The descendants of some of those named have that same agenda today. Looking at this situation can at times be overwhelming and not a little unnerving. Nevertheless, he points out that the opposition is ultimately aimed at the Lord and not just at Israel. Even during the time of the Maccabees, this little band of faithful Jews realized that they were fighting on behalf of God and not merely for themselves. God is the one who has made the investment in this place, and he is commited to protect both his interests and his Name.

God has an investment in all his people, those from Israel and those from among the nations. HaSatan (the Adversary) will, however, do all he can to stop the work of God and come against the people of God. His behindthe- scenes involvement was apparent when the Syrian- Greeks desecrated the Temple under the rule of their leader, Antiochus Epiphanes.

Our comfort is in knowing that since God himself and his purposes are the ultimate target, he is the one who will answer the challenge. We have no need to fear, since he is the "Most High over all the earth" (Psalms 83:18 [19]), capable of handling every attack, no matter from which direction it comes.

...not fear whatever may come against me; for the Lord is a shield around me, and the one who lifts my head.

MM