Further Attacks

Coming under attack is not a rare event in the Bible. Nor is it a rare event in the life of any Christian. Sometimes we go through periods of relative calm. But further attacks are almost inevitable.

In each of the passages for toady we see attacks of various kinds. We also see what we need at these times.

1. God’s presence

Psalm 80:1–7

We do not know exactly what the attacks were that the psalmist faced. However, we do know that he faced:
• Contention from ‘neighbours’ (v.6a)
• Mockery from enemies (v.6b)

We know also that the attacks caused a lot of grief. God’s people had been fed with ‘the bread of tears; you made them drink tears by the bowlful.’ (v.5)

The psalmist prays that God will restore his presence. ‘Restore us, O God; make your face shine upon us, that we may be saved.’ (v.3) ‘Restore us, O God Almighty; make your face shine upon us, that we may be saved.’ (v.7)

Lord, we pray with the psalmist, ‘Awaken your might; come and save us.’ (v.2b) In the midst of these almost inevitable attacks, Lord we pray for your presence. May your face shine upon us.

2. God’s protection

New Testament
Acts 23:12–35

Paul faced an assassination plot. His enemies were determined to kill him. They formed a conspiracy (v.12). They used deception (v.15).

‘But’ is the powerful little word that now enters the story (v.16). God, in his providence, protected Paul. ‘But when the son of Paul’s sister heard of this plot, he went into the barracks and told Paul.’ (v.16) When Paul’s nephew tells him of the plot, Paul arranges for him to inform the commander who arranges protection for Paul’s journey.

God protects Paul in spite of the fact that all of the characters involved around him are fairly devious. Commander Claudias Lysias himself was ‘economical with the truth’ (v.26-31). He makes no mention in his letter to Felix that he himself had illegally bound Paul and was about to torture a Roman citizen who had not been convicted of any crime.

Lord, thank you that you are in control of events and history. Thank you that you can raise up people in any situation for your purposes. As you used Paul to advance your kingdom, Lord we pray that you would use us today. May your kingdom come. May your will be done.

3. God’s peace

Old Testament
2 Kings 8:16–9:37

This terrible period in Israel’s history continues. Yet another king, Jehoram, ‘did evil in the eyes of the Lord.’ (8:18) He is followed by Azariah who also ‘did evil in the eyes of the Lord.’ (8:27)

For a moment there is a ray of hope. Elisha arranges for Jehu, son of Jehoshaphat, to be anointed king (9:1-3). A prophet pours oil on Jehu’s head and declared, ‘This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: “I anoint you king over the Lord’s people Israel.”’ (9:6) Interestingly, Jehu’s fellow officers regard the prophet as a ‘madman’ (9:11). Later, Jehu himself is seen as driving ‘like a madman’ (9:20).

When Jehu begins to carry out his instruction Joram sends messengers to ask three times, ‘Do you come in peace?’ (9:17, 18, 19, 22). Jehu replies, ‘How can there be peace as long as all the idolatry and witchcraft of your mother Jezebel abound?’ (9:22) Jezebel herself asked the same question, ‘Have you come in peace?’ (9:31) The answer was ‘no’. Jezebel died a horrible death, the fulfilment of the prophecy that Elijah had given (1 Kings 21:23).

These were days of evil, death and division. Yet, we see in the middle of all this a deep longing for peace.

Jesus said, ‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.’ (John 14:27) The early church preached ‘the good news of peace through Jesus Christ.’ (Acts 10:36) St Paul wrote, ‘we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.’ (Romans 5:1) ‘The mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace.’ (Romans 8:6) He begins many of his letters, ‘Grace and peace to you’ (1 Corinthians 1:3, 2 Corinthians 1:2 Galatians 1:3, etc).

Lord, thank you that in the middle of all the attacks, whether from neighbours or enemies or authorities, we can have peace – your peace which transcends all understanding. Lord, today we bring our requests to you, as Paul wrote ‘Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.’ (Philippians 4:6-7)