Greetings;
In the past weeks I have addressed several tests revealed in the journey of Israel to the Promised Land. I have written in regard to five of ten tests that were presented to the children of Israel on the journey. There are really more than ten tests in our lives, but these ten things represent the types of tests we face. Each test is another measure of God’s love drawing out from within us the power of His internal and eternal kingdom so that we can manifest our true identity, testimony, and destiny in every aspect of our journey in life.
The first five tests were the test of bondage, the test of relationship, the test of bitterness, the test of living on every word of God, and the test of purpose. The test of purpose was revealed in the water from the rock, a testimony to the life-giving water that Jesus said would flow from the hearts of those who would come to Him and drink – those who experience the life of the Holy Spirit living in and flowing out of their lives. After the children of Israel experienced the water from the rock, they were able to defeat Amalek in the valley of Rephidim.
Exodus 17:8 Now Amalek (dweller in a valley) came and fought with Israel in Rephidim (resting place). 9 And Moses said to Joshua, “Choose us some men and go out, fight with Amalek. Tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in my hand.” 10 So Joshua did as Moses said to him, and fought with Amalek. And Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. 11 And so it was, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed; and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. 12 But Moses’ hands became heavy; so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it. And Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun. 13 So Joshua defeated Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword.
The children of Israel had to stay in relationship with authority to defeat the Amalek. The name Amelek means dweller in a valley. This implies a disconnection from relationships of community. It is a place of hiding, disconnection, and avoidance of relationships. It is a place of being disconnected from authority and not under true authority. In the battle, Joshua was able to succeed as long as Aaron and Hur supported the hands of Moses. They demonstrated covenant relationship and being under authority. Joshua was a testimony to the authority of Jesus name, but His success was directly connected to the anointing (Aaron) and the need (Hur meaning hole) remaining under the authority of Moses (the God-sent deliverer). It is only in covenant relationships of life that we find the ability to stand in the anointing of Christ and it is there that every need in our lives is filled. Without divine connections of authority, we are simply a hole. We lack the ability to be a part of the community of life and defeat the assignments of death in our lives. Our connection to authority gives us victory in and over the valleys in our lives. It is in that place that we find Christ in us. We can overcome the temptations to depend upon men. It was after the battle with Amelek that Moses was able to appoint others to share in the responsibly of authority in the camp of Israel. It was then that others were able to receive an abundance to judge and end strife for others. The secret to finding Christ in us is to also trust Christ in others. To be in authority we must remain under authority, but the test for all of this is to know that we are a place of God’s purpose. We are part of God’s purpose together and we are each a testimony of God’s purpose. We were born to bring life to the world. Our identity, testimony, and purpose in life will always serve to bring life to our world.
Authority is not a mere testimony of power. It is the testimony of life. Authority gives, it doesn’t take. Authority is the substance of life to bring life to our world. When we are under authority, we receive the life that empowers us to give life to others. When we face the tests of bondage, relationship, bitterness, dependence upon God’s word, and purpose, we find the true qualification for walking in authority for the sake of our world. Knowing the need for true freedom and Who gives true freedom, knowing God’s love and trust, being healed from bitterness to bear the fruit of life for others, living fully dependent upon every expression of God in our lives, and becoming a source of life to others by the power of Christ in us are the ingredients for the foundation of being able to stand in life-giving authority in every battle and responsibility we face in our lives.
Food For Thought,
Ted J. Hanson
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We are expecting another great year of reaching the nations and generations in 2019 and your financial support can help us accomplish the task.
We need your continued prayer support and any financial contribution you are able to give. We are reaching the nations with New Covenant life and Grace for the generations of tomorrow.
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