Conflict

What is the desire associated with our basic human nature?  Why do some people seek peace and others strife?  All humans make choices.  Some turn to God while others select selfish desires associated with our innate human nature.  Examples of this selection process is given throughout the entire word of God.  The examples in the Old Testament were directly from the experiences of Israel, God's chosen people.  These examples are applicable for us in our day.  We must use caution, and the entire word of God, in our interpretations.  God tells us how to use His Word; careful study of the Bible is required in order to get the proper interpretations of all the examples.  In the Book of Exodus God gives us seven experiences that the children of Israel had between Egypt and Mount Sinai.  Their leader Moses recorded these experiences for us as he was directed by God.

1 Cor 10:11
Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. (KJV)

These seven experiences that the children of Israel (Jacob) had along the way are pictures of the Christian life.  All Christians will do well to read and heed these lessons.  These lessons are given to us in picture form and their meaning is clear.  They all contain the importance of faith in God's power and willingness to lead us in His will and His ways.  We need to trust and obey.  Obey His desire to know us and for us to know Him by the careful study of His word.  He gives us His eternal love and His desire is that we will love Him, and know Him.

Gen 32:27-28
The man asked him, "What is your name?" "Jacob," he answered.
Then the man said, "Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with men and have overcome." (NIV)

Two of these experiences were concerning the power of God during battles or wars.  God's people were overwhelmed by adversaries, but God demonstrated His saving grace and gave salvation to His people.  They in return had to demonstrate their faith and give the glory, honor and credit to their God.  God demonstrated His power over all the Gods of Egypt and the Amalekites.  The struggles were not good verses evil, they were struggles between faith in God and faith in idols.  Egypt and Amalek had many Gods represented by many idols.  They even worshiped their own strength.  The Israelites learned that they had to surrender their will to that of God.  When they were threatened by Egypt God led them to escape and defeated the Army of Egypt by His power over nature.  When they were threatened by the Amalekites God's people had to fight with their swords.  When they trusted God (Moses held up his hands to the Lord) they were successful.  When Moses lowered his hands the Amalekites advanced.  This was a real lesson in faith and trust in God.  Today many nations face adversaries.  This is an opportunity to trust God and to fight for what God teaches.  God's desire is for all people to come to a knowledge and saving grace which only He can provide.  Too many people are trusting today in false Gods, including the God of self confidence.  Trust in the one God and fight with all your might that He may be successful and receive the honor and glory for the victories.  Let God fearing people all over the face of the earth overcome the struggle between God and man.

All struggles are not between good and evil.  They are struggles between our nature and God's will.  These struggles go back to Adam the first man.  Adam had a free will and he didn't trust and obey God.  The entire Bible consists of stories which are examples of this struggle.

Footnote:  Today's footprints in tomorrows history will be another struggle between our will as humans and God's will for us.  This continuing struggle goes back to Adam.  The roles of Isaac's twin sons can still be seen today.  The struggle of God to win man to him can be traced through the twins, Jacob and Esau.  Both boys play an important part in this continuing saga.  The Bible insures us that God will have the last word in this struggle.  It is man's choice to accept or reject God.  I pray that as nations we will accept God and allow Him to lead us for His glory.  Jacob accepted God only after many trials and tribulations.  Will some of Esau's descendents accept God?  How many trials will be required to bring this world into God's focus.  

(Click here for more on Jacob and Esau...)