Joshua 10:1-4
Now Adoni-Zedek king of Jerusalem heard that Joshua had taken Ai and totally destroyed it, doing to Ai and its king as he had done to Jericho and its king, and that the people of Gibeon had made a treaty of peace with Israel and were living near them. He and his people were very much alarmed at this, because Gibeon was an important city, like one of the royal cities; it was larger than Ai, and all its men were good fighters. So Adoni-Zedek king of Jerusalem appealed to Hoham king of Hebron, Piram king of Jarmuth, Japhia king of Lachish and Debir king of Eglon. "Come up and help me attack Gibeon," he said, "because it has made peace with Joshua and the Israelites."
John 15:19 says, "... you do not belong to the world, ... That is why the world hates you." This truth is thoroughly revealed in this verse. Originally, the people of Gibeon belong to the same dark authority as did these Canaanites. They had lived peacefully. But now that people of Gibeon had made a peace with Israelites, living together, those who had belonged to the same dark authority felt threatened. They united in attacking Gibeon. This is the same reaction before and after one believes in God: before one starts believing God, she belonged to the world, drifting in the world, focusing on the things that this world is focusing on. After one believes in the Lord, the world around her not only is unable to understand her, but also starts attacking her. 1 Peter 4:4 says, "They think it strange that you do not plunge with them into the same flood of dissipation, and they heap abuse on you." The reason for their attack is because they found the other one is on a different direction. Attacking and abuse the other makes them feel righteous.
What kind of attacks do believers often face? First, it is the pressure from trends of the world. After one becomes a believer, his/her way of making a live might have changed. Before, he/she may be used to giving red envelops. But now, it doesn't feel right. Before, he/she may focus only on money. Now, the heart is yearning for the Lord. Tithe no longer feels painful. No Sunday Mahjong, nor doing business. But getting up even earlier for Sunday services. Those kinds of changes are not readily understood by the world.
Second, it is the coercion from the family. In a Chinese family, one's believing in the Lord may be regarded as having no faith, having no filial piety. I knew one sister in college who was driven out of her home by her father because of her believing in Jesus. Her father severed their father daughter relationship. Third, it may be teases from friends. I remember giving grace before lunch. After I opened my eyes, my lunch box was gone. When talking about Jesus with classmates, I had to face their mocking. These attacks made us difficult walking down the path of faith. But brothers and sisters, don't be discouraged, because God is the one that fight for us. And He has already won. As long as we lean on Him, He will surely come to rescue us immediately when we ask Him for help!
Pray with Pastor Tong
Lord, you are a trustworthy God. We pray for the many brothers and sisters who face difficulties in their lives, and we ask that you reach out to help them. Even though the world has surrounded them, it cannot destroy them. Even though devil is attacking them, devil cannot overcome, because those brothers and sisters belong to You. I thank you and I pray in the victorious name of Jesus, amen!
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