TOPIC: THE LORD OF HOSTS
MEMORIZE:
As for our redeemer, the Lord of hosts is his name, the Holy One of Israel.
Isaiah 47:4
READ: Isaiah 51:15-16
15 But I am the LORD thy God, that divided the sea, whose waves roared: The LORD of hosts is his name.
16 And I have put my words in thy mouth, and I have covered thee in the shadow of mine hand, that I may plant the heavens, and lay the foundations of the earth, and say unto Zion, Thou art my people.
MESSAGE
According to Psalm 24:7-10, God is the Lord of hosts; the Commander-in-chief of all hosts in heaven, on earth, and underneath the earth. Even the devil operates within the confines of what He allows, as we see in the book of Job.
God can deal with any number of demons, be it one as in Mark 1:23-27, seven as in Luke 8:1-3, or a legion as in Mark 5:2-20. If there are any demonic forces interfering with your life, they will be put to shame, in Jesus' name. I used to say that the Lord of hosts never loses a battle, but recently, He corrected me and said, "Son, I can choose to lose a battle to win a war. l can never lose a war."
Sometimes, the Lord of hosts, in His divine wisdom, can choose to lose a battle because there is a greater war to win. For example, He allowed the devil to touch Job's possessions and health because He wanted to showcase the excellency of His power. In another example, Pharaoh's magicians did the same things Moses and Aaron did when they first confronted Pharaoh. However, it got to a point where they were terrified and declared, "This is the finger of God..." (Exodus 8:19). God permitted Pharaoh to remain stubborn so that He could reveal His mighty hand (Romans 9:1 7).
While Stephen was being stoned, Saul watched, and the devil rejoiced. The devil must have thought that he had won when he eliminated Stephen, not knowing that the agent he used to Oversee the task would later become a major general in God's army. God had a bigger picture; He planned to use Saul to wreak great havoc on the kingdom of hell, and He succeeded. The Lord of hosts wins every war. No matter how terrible things get, when He steps on the scene, everything will align in favor of His beloved children. No wonder Paul said, "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God and who are the called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28).
Beloved, the Lord of hosts isn't just the mighty Man in battle; He is also the only wise God (1 Timothy 1:17). Can rearrange things to suit His purpose-even the worst of situations. Trust Him to use whatever unpleasant situation exists in your life for your good and for His glory.
KEY POINT
The Lord of hosts never loses a war; He arranges everything to suit His purposes.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Judges 14-16
AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A ADEBOYE
HYMN 18: PRAISE TO THE LORD THE ALMIGHTY
1. Praise to the Lord, the Almighty,
the King of creation!
O my soul, praise him, for he is
your health and salvation!
Come, all who hear;
now to his temple draw near,
join me in glad adoration.
2. Praise to the Lord, above
all things so wondrously reigning;
sheltering you under his wings,
and so gently sustaining!
Have you not seen all
that is needful has been
sent by his gracious ordaining?
3. Praise to the Lord, who will
prosper your work and defend you;
surely his goodness and mercy
shall daily attend you.
Ponder anew what the Almighty can do,
if with his love he befriends you.
4. Praise to the Lord! O let all
that is in me adore him!
All that has life and breath,
come now with praises before him.
Let the Amen sound
from his people again;
gladly forever adore him
Comments
Post a Comment