Praying to the Lord of Armies

Scripture:
Those who oppose the Lord will be shattered;
he will thunder in the heavens against them.
The Lord will judge the ends of the earth.
He will give power to his king;
he will lift up the horn of his anointed [*Messiah].
1 Samuel 2:10

Observation: Chapter 1 of Samuel introduces the name "Lord of Armies" for God. This is more commonly translated "Lord of Hosts," and was Yahweh Tzevaot (Jehovah Sabaoth). It is a name of action. It is a name for the Lord that connotes an ability to not just defend himself and his people, but to do so with mighty strength, and even going on the offensive when necessary. This isn't just the protective yet passive "strong tower" metaphor for Yahweh. It is this name Elkanah evokes when he is at the tabernacle, and it is this name that Hannah prays to.

After Hannah has received Samuel and dedicated him back to God, her song also declares the Lord's strength in defending her. She doesn't just say that "those who oppose the Lord will lose". They will be shattered. He will judge them, thunder against them, and then ... give power to Messiah! It is by this king that those who hate God will be overcome. Throughout Hannah's song, she indicates how the proud and powerful will be brought down, and the weak will be raised up. 

Application: I try to focus on other aspects of life, but I live in a place and time where this is front and center in my life ... I am surrounded by people who absolutely hate God. They oppose everything about him, to the point that they destroy their own lives in order to take a stand against the good guidance he has given us for a joy-filled life. And they are getting more and more aggressive.

However, I stand with the Lord's anointed one. It is this king - Jesus - who has the power. He brings with him judgment. Jesus brings both death and life, and make no mistake ... he is not just some castle in which we hide, but he is fully capable of action.

The Lord of Armies may seem passive here in the northwest, but those who believe that - who deny his comprehensive authority and power - are deceived.

Prayer: Lord, your people in this region need Yahweh Tzevaot. We need the power of your anointed king, Jesus. I have seen over the last couple of weeks that yes, us on the front lines are weary, but even so are the supporting guards. May revival start here and now. Amen.