The Watchman's Diary

There is a vicious enemy to the human race, and especially to those who call on the name of Messiah Yeshua (Jesus). He “prowls around [constantly] like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). Should he manage to get his claws on us, he will tear us apart by first going for our most sensitive vulnerabilities. He does not always deal a single death blow to our most vital members. He likes to menace us, like a cat with a mouse. He sees an end in sight as we struggle to escape with every breath. Yet, with every breath is a way of escape and the opportunity to call upon our Great Redeemer.

The enemy will use those close to us to tear us down. To control and limit our use of our Spiritual gifts to glorify God and to share the Gospel of Yeshua. He will use circumstances in our lives to cause us to lose focus on the work of God. When that happens we tend to be more inward-focused, seeking our own will as we try to escape whatever trap the enemy has set for us.

In our torment, we may reminisce on Job’s lament when the enemy sought to separate him from God.

“As a slave pants for the shade, And as a hired worker who eagerly waits for his wages, So I am allotted worthless months, And nights of trouble are apportioned to me. When I lie down, I say, ‘When shall I arise?’ But the night continues, And I am continually tossing until dawn”.

Job 7:2-4

It is easy, in those moments, to lose hope. In doing so we give in to the plans of the enemy and life begins to darken even more. One lament leads to another and hope appears farther and farther away. The way of the world begins to crowd us and the issues of life suffocate us. We begin to focus even more on our reflection in the mirror and God becomes more distant as we withdraw from him. This is what the enemy does. By separating us from God we begin to look more like him–dark and hopeless.

Yet, that is not our destiny. God says “I will contend with the one who contends with you” (Isaiah 49:25). He will contend with those who oppose his called-out ones and will save us from the enemy. This promise, to Israel, extends to all who enter the New Covenant. We who call on the name of Yeshua are sons and daughters of the Most High, to whom all the promises extend. The enemy has no claim on us. He can only roar in hopes that our fears cause us to run straight into his claws. God says, “Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will also help you, I will also uphold you with My righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10).

The enemy brings darkness but the “Bright Morning Star” (Rev 22:16) says, “You are the light of the world” (Matt 5:14) “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overpowered it” (John 1:5). Do not listen to, nor fear the roars of the enemy. “Let your light shine before men so they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matt 5:16).