The First & The Last

The first Middle East war is recorded in Genesis 14, where Abram, with only 318 trained servants, defeats four united countries, which we know today as Iran, Turkey, Iraq, and Syria.

Just so you understand the size and power of these four allied forces at that time, they smote four cities of giants, then took out two countries of known warriors, before cleaning house on five cities in Canaan. They seemed unstoppable.

But when Abram heard they had captured his nephew Lot, he immediately armed his trained servants, all 318 of them, and pursued the four kings. Dividing his forces, Abram attacked at night, and smote them, recovering all the stolen people and possessions of the five cities of Canaan. The chapter tells the source of Abram’s power… “Blessed be the Most High God, who has delivered your enemies into your hand.”  

It does our hearts good to remember, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” And, “There is no king saved by the multitude of an army… Behold, the eye of the Lord is upon those who revere Him.” In this day of powerful evil alliances, we need to remember that God and one righteous person make a majority.

When Jesus came to earth, He was called “The Son of the Highest.” Demons fells before Him trembling, knowing who He was. He had come to enter death, defeat it on our behalf, and destroy the one who had the power of death over us – the devil. Then He arose to lead in triumph all who trust Him, through the trials of this life (2 Corinthians 2:14).

The last global war, called Armageddon, will be ended with one word from His mouth (Rev. 19:15). What a joy to be on Jesus’ side.

(Devotional by Lisa Cataford)