As Strong As Iron

https://odb.org/MY/2022/08/19/as-strong-as-iron

One of the characteristics of the Israelites highlighted in the Old Testament in ancient times is their resilience despite overwhelming odds against them. They were strong and courageous and were not discouraged, for example, when they entered the Promised Land although they faced strong armies, fortified cities and giants. They only faltered when they deserted God and His ways and married the people of the surrounding nations and accepted the idols and gods and spiritual practices of those people including Baal. The LORD then was angered and He promised them that destruction will follow from invading large armies of nearby powerful nations and yet the LORD was always patient and compassionate and allowed the Israelites time to repent time and again through repeated calls of His prophets.

Israel as a nation in modern times have proven to be resilient and strong despite being surrounded by powerful Arab nations who are all against them, winning actual wars and repelling invading Arab armies as proven by past wars when Israel was first established. Nowadays Israel is one of the most advanced nations in computer and other technologies, particularly agriculture in growing beautiful fertile produce in desert places.

The spiritual Israel i.e. the modern church and we as the universal body of believers have also been proven to be strong and resilient throughout the ages since the times of Acts. Despite terrible and cruel persecutions, the faith has survived through time and will continue to thrive because God is real and Jesus is alive in our midst. Like ancient and modern Israel, we are as strong as iron in face of adversaries and the adverse situations life brings us, storms and all.

As history has proven, as a body we are made to be strong as iron and resilient, and my encouragement to us today is to continue to be strong and courageous for God as Christ is with us all the way until the very end. God is with us and will not forsake or depart from us so long as we fear Him and obey His percepts and keep His Covenant. Even in these present times, we can and will experience the God of ancient Isreal as He is the same yesterday, today and the days to come!