This is my third post in a series of lessons from one story in the book of Joshua that we can take and apply in Christian business. In the first post, I set the stage for the series by briefly summarizing the story of Joshua and the Gibeonites. In the second post, we discussed how we should not relax after a victory. Today, I want to talk specifically about the enemy that Joshua and the Israelites faced and how we can learn from their experience.
Multiple Enemy Attacks
If you look back at other times during the Israelites’ journey to the Promised land, beginning in Exodus, you will see where the enemy came after them on multiple occasions. In most cases, the Israelites were simply attacked by the enemy in a straightforward way (Exodus 14:5-10; 17:8, Numbers 14:45; 21:33).
However, in the case of the Gibeonites, the Israelites were not attacked head-on. Instead, the enemy came to them in disguise. Instead of lining their armies up against those of the Israelites, the Gibeonites used stealth to execute a “sneak-attack” of sorts. In the end, this was even more effective for them!
Second Lesson
The second lesson we can learn from Joshua’s experience with the Gibeonites is this:
The enemy sometimes comes as roaring lion, sometimes as slithering serpent.
Two Examples
There are many examples in Scripture where the enemy (the devil) attacks the people of God. We can cite examples from both the Old Testament and the New Testament. There are two specific instances that come to mind that illustrate my point very well.
Likely, you can recall the Garden of Eden with Adam and Eve, when Satan appeared to them and tricked them into eating from the Tree of Life, an act that God had forbidden.
Later, we see Satan approach God and get permission to attack Job and his family. In this case, Job’s entire family (except for his wife) is killed along with his livestock.
Scripture On The Enemy
In both of these cases, the enemy was intent on opposing God and doing harm to his children. Some people may say that this only happens in the Old Testament, but here are a couple of verses from the New Testament that say otherwise.
In 2 Corinthians 11:3, it says this:
But I fear that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your minds may be seduced from a complete and pure devotion to Christ.
Later in 1 Peter 5:8, it says the following:
Be serious! Be alert! Your adversary the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour.
Sometimes Serpent, Sometimes Lion
I am not sure exactly what you believe about Satan, the devil, the enemy, etc., but I personally believe the Bible is clear that he exists and is opposed to God, and therefore His children (us). Sometimes he will attack us as a lion would, but other times he sneaks up on us like a serpent. This is not only true back then, but is also true today.
Because this is true, we cannot assume it will always be easy to identify the enemy when he comes at us. Unlike Joshua, we need to be prepared for a lion or a serpent!
You Will Be Attacked
In business, this can mean any number of things. As you strive to use your business as a platform for ministry, you must know that the enemy is going to come after you. It is simple fact that your efforts to share God’s love through your business is in direct opposition to the enemy’s efforts to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). Knowing this, you must therefore expect attack.
This attack can come in several forms, but it will not always be obvious. When it is obvious, I think it is easier for us to do battle. It may not be any easier, but at least we know what we are dealing with.
On the other hand, like the Gibeonites did to Joshua, the enemy may come to you in disguise. There may not be any recognizable danger. In this case, your only defense is to remain in close relationship to God so that He can steer you through it.
Relationship Is Best Defense
In fact, our best defense against the attack of the enemy is always to remain in close relationship with God. In some cases, He may help you avoid the enemy’s attack. In other cases, like with Job, He will be there to see you through it. Either way, it is safest when you are connected to Him and His wisdom and peace.
Have you seen the enemy as a lion and a serpent in different situations?
How has your relationship with God been a help when attacked?
What action step do you need to take in light of this lesson?
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