Moving Past the Roadblocks

Today’s Verse:

And Sihon would not suffer Israel to pass through his border: but Sihon gathered all his people together, and went out against Israel into the wilderness: and he came to Jahaz, and fought against Israel. ~Numbers 21:23

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A roadblock is an obstruction that prevents a traveler from moving forward and arriving at his destination. It is a barrier that must be avoided, detoured, or overcome. This morning, let us see a roadblock that threatened Moses and the Israelites from getting to their goal.

We see a request.

“And Israel sent messengers unto Sihon king of the Amorites, saying, Let me pass through thy land: we will not turn into the fields, or into the vineyards; we will not drink of the waters of the well: but we will go along by the king’s high way, until we be past thy borders.” Moses and the Israelites requested Sihon’s approval to pass through his land. The request was reasonable and respectful. Moses promised that they would not trespass into the vineyards and fields. Furthermore, he said that they would not drink of their water. Moses needed to pass through in order to make it to his desired destination. Moses knew that he would need permission before passing through. Let us make sure that God gives us a green light before we go into new territory.

We see the resistance.

“And Sihon would not suffer Israel to pass through his border: but Sihon gathered all his people together, and went out against Israel into the wilderness: and he came to Jahaz, and fought against Israel.” Sihon told Moses, “You may not pass through.” Sihon saw Moses and the large Israelite population as a threat. It could be that Sihon had been doing surveillance on Israel as they approached. Not only did Sihon say no, but he gathered his people together to fight with Israel. The devil will place roadblocks in our way to keep us from doing God’s will and going forward in our lives. Additionally, the devil will fight us from going forward. It’s never an easy road to walk by faith and do God’s will.

We see the routing.

“And Israel smote him with the edge of the sword, and possessed his land from Arnon unto Jabbok, even unto the children of Ammon: for the border of the children of Ammon was strong.” Israel did not run away or back down from a confrontation with Sihon. Israel smote him with the edge of the sword. Israel met him head-on and successfully wielded the sword. God’s Word is our sword in battle. It is God’s weapon that we might use with courage against the enemies of the Lord. The enemy cannot withstand a fight where God’s Word and prayer are used as both offensive and defensive weapons.

We see the reward.

Not only did Israel decisively defeat the Amorites, but, in the process, the spoils of victory became Israel’s. Sihon’s refusal to allow Israel to pass resulted in the loss of their land to Israel. First, the land acquisition became a permanent possession for Israel’s expansion. They gained fields and vineyards. Second, this overwhelming victory testified of God’s power in the life of Israel. God gave Israel the foe, the fields, and fame. Third, this acquisition testified of God’s grace at work in and through Israel. Moses did the right thing in asking for permission to pass through. When the enemy attacked, God gave Israel the victory and much more. In summary, a major roadblock was overcome, and God received the glory. Don’t allow a roadblock from the enemy to keep you from going forward. Keep your sword sharpened, and be ready at all times to face the enemy head-on.

Have a safe and protected God Morning!

Bible Reading Schedule: Matthew 22-23

#Numbers #Roadblock #Sihon #Victory