The enemies that aim high but achieve little..

As Christians, we find ourselves in a constant spiritual battle, engaging in ongoing warfare. At times, we encounter threats from enemies who seek to harm not only us but also our loved ones, including our families, brethren, and sisters. Their objective is to destroy everything connected to us. In such situation, what actions can we take to fight this formidable enemy?

When Haman saw that Mordecai would not kneel down or pay him honor, he was enraged. Yet having learned who Mordecai’s people were, he scorned the idea of killing only Mordecai. Instead Haman looked for a way to destroy all Mordecai’s people, the Jews, throughout the whole kingdom of Xerxes.  Esther 3:5-6

Mordecai a devout Jew, refused to bow down before Haman, which incited Haman’s desire to annihilate the entire Jewish population. Instead of simply eliminating Mordecai, Haman aimed to destroy the entire Jewish population. Let’s examine another compelling instance where the enemy targets big.

Then Eliakim son of Hilkiah, and Shebna and Joah said to the field commander, “Please speak to your servants in Aramaic, since we understand it. Don’t speak to us in Hebrew in the hearing of the people on the wall.” But the commander replied, “Was it only to your master and you that my master sent me to say these things, and not to the men sitting on the wall – who, like you, will have to eat their own filth and drink their own urine?” 2 Kings 18:26-27

In this passage, Sennacherib, from Assyria (his field commander) threatens the whole Israel. Although, he had the option to deliver his threat directly to the officials of King Hezekiah in Aramaic, he deliberately chose to threaten the entire community. This raises questions: Why do these enemies seek to threaten the entire community? Why do they specifically target God’s people?

Why do these enemies come?

When we diligently follow and place our complete dependence on Him, it is often when these adversaries emerge to threaten us. Mordecai, for instance, committed no wrongdoing; his only action was to faithfully adhere to God’s commandments and refuse to bow down to anyone other than God. This unwavering commitment of Mordecai angered Haman. Similar events unfolded with Hezekiah, where enemies attempted to undermine his reliance on God. These adversaries become furious when we place our trust and dependance in God above all else. They do not attack us because we have made mistakes or sinned against God, but rather because our close relationship with God incites their rage and frustration.

What should we do ?

But the people remained silent and said nothing in reply, because the king had commanded, “Do not answer him.” 2 kings 18:36

When faced with such threatening enemies, the initial response should be to maintain silence. Despite their attempts to provoke and frustrate us, it is important to remain silent. We can learn from the example of King Hezekiah who commanded his people not to answer anything to the enemies who came to threaten them. Even Mordecai, chose to keep his silence when Haman sought to kill Jews. Similarly, Esther did not reveal her intentions to the king until the appropriate time had come.

The other thing one should so is to put on the sackcloth. “When Mordecai learned of all that had been done, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the city, wailing loudly and bitterly.” Esther 4:1. We can pray to God for protection from enemies who seek complete destruction. Therefore, when faced with such adversaries, there are two things we need to do: remain silent and engage in fasting and prayer to seek God’s guidance.

How do the enemies meet their end ?

“‘Listen! I am going to put such a spirit in him that when he hears a certain report, he will return to his own country, and there I will have him cut down with the sword.’” 2 Kings 19:7

Isaiah said these words to King Hezekiah when he cried out for help. Such enemies go the way they came without harming anything. We can see how Haman’s plan backfired. He planned to hang Mordecai on the gallows, but instead, he himself was hanged on it. Sennacherib’s own sons killed him while he worshipped his god. God’s people need not worry about anything, for God takes control of the situation. But we will celebrate the victory for sure.

There may be enemies who come boasting and causing a commotion, but they will ultimately leave empty-handed, just as they arrived. But God’s chosen ones will celebrate in the QUIVER OF GOD.