13/01/2022 - THE HEAVENLY ARMIES

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When Jacob saw them, he said, “This is God’s camp.” And he called the name of that place Mahanaim. Genesis 32.2

Upon seeing the multitude of angels, Jacob was filled with joy, for emotion had taken over his inner self. When God opened the curtain of His Kingdom to him, he saw the heavenly beings welcoming his obedience to Heaven, and his heart compared them to two armies. Thus, he felt strengthened to walk back toward his land, even though he knew that his brother had sworn that one day he would kill him. Who would be with him?

Certainly, Jacob understood that this awesome power protected him. Now, already in his mother’s womb, he was attacked by his twin brother. In fact, Jacob was to be the firstborn, but at the time of his birth, he was pulled by Esau, who took that right from him. Jacob waited for the day to reverse his defeat – a plate of stew was the price (Genesis 25.29-34).

The prophet Elisha understood that he was protected by God’s power, so he did not fear the Syrian king or his army. This happened because the prophet heard the plans of that monarch to attack Israel and warned the king of Samaria. Upon learning that Elisha was in Dothan, the Syrian ruler sent his soldiers to capture him. Seeing the city surrounded by the enemy, the prophet’s helper became desperate and warned him of what was happening.

Because he was in communion with the Lord, Elisha took no notice of it. His heart was steadfast in God, so he answered: “Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them (2 Kings 6.16). This assurance must be within every servant of the Almighty, who has promised that no evil shall befall us, neither shall any plague come upon our dwelling (Psalm 91.10).

Elisha reassured the worker with a prayer: And Elisha prayed, and said, “Lord, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha (2 Kings 6.17). Those who serve the Most High must calm their apprentices in the faith, so that panic does not cause them to take decisions that do not come from Heaven (Psalm 46.10). God is faithful!

It had not been easy for Jacob to escape from Laban, who only thought about the profit he made by relying on his work. However, because he had the Lord’s promise to be with him, he was able to leave with his family. The one who serves God with integrity of heart will always be taught what to do, to free himself from any contrary situation. The vision of the angels greatly encouraged Jacob, who must have praised the Almighty. God is also with you! Serve Him with faith! 

Potiphar bought Joseph, Jacob´s son, at the market and saw his house prosper: The Lord was with Joseph, and he was a successful man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian.  And his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord made all he did to prosper in his hand (Genesis 39.2,3). Potiphar then gave Joseph his entire household. Hallelujah!

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares