Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 27; 1 Corinthians 8; Ezekiel 6; Psalm 44
Psalms 44:3 For they got not the land in possession by their own sword, neither did their own arm save them: but thy right hand, and thine arm, and the light of thy countenance, because thou hadst a favour unto them.
The sons of Korah sang of the greatness of God that they had learned from their fathers. They remembered the mighty deliverances that God had wrought on their behalf throughout the history of Israel. These mighty victories were not achieved by the swords of the people or by the strength of their own arm. God’s right hand saved them. God gave them the victory. His strength and the light of his countenance brought them delivery.
Have you ever thought of the Shekinah glory of God? That is the glory that existed in the pillar of fire by night and cloud by day that guided the Israelites in the wilderness. The Shekinah was also manifested in the Holy of Holies in the Tabernacle and the Temple. If the light of God’s countenance delivered them then the Shekinah is the glorious smile of God upon his people! That is a mighty smile!
The Word of God continually reminds us that victory is not wrought by our own might or power. Victory is RECEIVED it is not ACHIEVED. Recently I heard a man saying that God would allow him into heaven because he had, “Done what he was supposed to do!” This man believed that heaven is a reward for righteous people. The Israelites began to believe the same thing. The Pharisees of Jesus’ day really thought they were doing God and man a favor by their righteous deeds. But the Bible says:
Romans 4:5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
Titus 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost.
The work of man does NOT accomplish the victory of God!
1 Corinthians 15:57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Victory is a merciful gift given by a loving God because of his favor resting upon a person. Do you walk in victory throughout life? Do you know the victory of faith in Jesus Christ that overcomes all obstacles of sin, and temptation in this world? You can! You can receive the victorious favor of God in Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 1:6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.
Through faith in Christ, we are accepted by God and stand in his glorious favor forgiven by his grace and ready to receive victory after victory as he bears his mighty right arm to deliver us!
In Christ,
Rody
