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1 Kings 20:1-43
Introduction:
Ahab had voluntarily submitted as a vassal to the king Aramaic (Syrian) Ben-Hadad. It decided to ask one day as a tribute their wives, children and treasure, to which he agreed Ahab.
In a second order sent by courier, Ben-Hadad not only calls but these things intimidate you saying that you are sending officials and inspectors to the palace for themselves stripped of everything.
Faced with this threat, resists Ahab and Ben-Hadad king decides to attack Samaria, Israel gave the kingdom where he ruled Ahab, and declares war.
Amid all this, a prophet of the Lord comes to Ahab with a clear message of God, v.13.
It made war preparations, and Ben-Hadad and his army received a resounding defeat at the hands of the Israelites.
The prophet reappears on the scene with specific instructions for Ahab, v.22
Several insights can we derive from this account: though Ahab was an evil king and had made an alliance with a pagan king and also of evil that he, God is willing to step in and make defeat his enemy so you know, recognize that God is God Jehovah, the Lord. The goodness of God is expressed strange and paradoxical ways countless times over the wickedness of man.
You do not have you experienced in your own life? You're out there making their hasty decisions, foolish and wrong and in a strange way everything looks normal and seems to be okay. Not that God nando this county or his conduct and his conduct is simply in His infinite love, is showing you His mercy once again, as with Ahab.
Interestingly at other times, God allowed the Israelites to be defeated by their enemies for their own disobedience and idolatry, but this time no, why?, You lying if I said I know why, so I leave it to His sovereignty as so many things I can not explain or understand.
What happens from verses 23 onwards is what inspired this post and where I want to stop tonight. The resounding defeat of the Arameans (Syrians) had his analysts meet to explain why they had been beaten so devastating. The explanation they give is amazing and revealing, v. 23-25.
The Arameans (Syrians) knew they had heard about the people of Israel, and knew it was rumored that the God of this people rallied in the mountains, Mount Sinai with all its noise was history known to all.
Somehow they associated the heights with the God of Israel and it was so true. (Psalm 43:3 , 68:15-16 , Isaiah 2:2 )
The invitation of God to his people has always been: to climb his mountain, climb the heights and yet its people have always longed to climb the mountains to meet with him Military analysts Ben-Adad were right, the God of the Israelites was God of the hills, God invites to rise, to rise, disconnected from the systems of this world, to enjoy the benefits of heights: clean air, quiet, pure water springs refescante, green pastures, trails and roads and paths. The advice seemed to make sense: we fight against them in the valleys because your God is God of heights anything more, we can easily win, THE NO down to the valleys, THE ONLY CONCERN OF THE MOUNTAINS.
The enemies of Israel saw the following "in the valleys we are stronger." They had horse-drawn carts capable of hitting large numbers of foot soldiers with which the Israelites did not. The Israelites had the reputation of being best fighters in the hills but ineffective in the valleys and plateaus because they used chariot.
At the end of the year as stated by the prophet, Ben-Hadad enlisted people and stood up against Israel.
Israel was prepared, few, in his opinion were "two small herds of goats' while the Arameans (Syrians)" filled the earth. " This could lead to disappointment, discouragement and fear.
But again came the word of God for a servant prophet with words of encouragement, v.28. The God of the heights of the mountains had heard he did a year ago Syrian military analysts have said in secret and now it had been revealed to his prophet and this in turn informs the King Ahab.
The Arameans (Syrians) have said that our God is the God of the mountains but the valley but they are absolutely wrong: "I AM GOD OF THE MOUNTAINS BUT ALSO I AM GOD OF THE VALLEY AND OTHER LES VOY A DAR TOTAL VICTORY OVER THEIR ENEMIES .
And you, you thought the same as the Syrians once? The valley barren land, sand, fearful storms, loneliness, isolation, heat, scorpions, monotony, snakes, biting cold, winds that roar: disappointment, betrayal, grief. Did you ever wonder if your God is a God of valleys or mountains only?
The enemy is deceiving you and whispers in his ear that your God can not defend or assist in the valley because the only moves in the highest, which will be real as long as you health, prosperity, blessings and prosperity but "do not forget, your God is God of mountains, just "telling you that you mean between the lines:" When you face the valley do not count on Him because He will not be there, will be busy on the mountain to descend into the valley, here in the valley are a my mercy, you are in my hands, get used to the scorpions and snakes. "
How wrong they were the Syrians! GOD IS OUR GOD OF THE MOUNTAINS BUT ALSO OF THE VALLEY! He is able to prosper you but is also able to comfort you when you lose everything, He is able to heal but is also able to strengthen you as you pass by the disease, he is able to soar to the heights to take fresh spring water but also is able to receive an oasis as it transits your wilderness.
The Syrians believed they were gods who ruled and governed in the valleys and plains, and that this augured a sure victory, our enemy and it makes us believe he is the one who has mastery of circumstances and situations and that he rules in the valley, they have no choice because "your" God does not care to go down to "your" valley.
Very soon the Syrians would take a tremendous surprise, they were again defeated, their arrogant king, captive and begging for mercy with his other officials, and everyone had to understand, especially Ahab that God was the Lord GOD OF THE MOUNTAINS AND GOD THE VALLEYS.
Conclusion: Knowing that my God is able to rise on high and down the deep valleys of my life leads me wonder, encouragement, encouragement and deep gratitude.
In moments of success and summit, where the fresh morning air around me, where I am surrounded by blessings of health, prosperity, friends, family, reputation, prestige, comfort, order, decisions taken, spiritual revelation to me He smiles, while encouraging me to keep climbing over heights in moments of defeat, failure, failure, fall, disappointment, sickness, depression, loss, discouragement, lack of understanding, silence and solitude, by my side crying , while extending his hand to me and says, "I'M HERE WITH YOU BECAUSE I AM GOD OF THE MOUNTAINS BUT ALSO OF THE VALLEY, LOOKS, I trust and know that I am your Lord."
Not only in the mountains you will find green and life but also in the valley, ( Psalm 23: 4) , will pass through the valley and come out the other side and along the way He will go with you.
Remember also the Mount of Transfiguration ( Matthew 17:1-21 ), Peter was dazzled by the glory he experienced on the Mount, Jesus suggested to make three tents, tents or booths and it would be great to stay there permanently . Peter had just seen the God of the Mountains in all its splendor and glory, what Peter was ignorant was that it was necessary for their god of the mountains became God of the valleys because a demon child brought by a father he was distressed waiting and the disciples who had remained in the valley had not been able to heal. Here is a wonderful revelation: Your experiences of forestry will be used to confront your experiences valleys.
Do not believe the Syrians when they declare that they rule in the valley, they are wrong, YOUR GOD IS THE GOD OF THE MOUNTAINS AS IT IS OF THE VALLEYS.
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