EXODUS 17:8. “Then came Amalek, and fought with Israel in Rephidim.” AMALEK. Not big at the start, so small in fact, unseen by eyes of man – But it is there, passed on from generations – And now it’s here, in mother’s arms – Beautiful, precious, loved – Real flesh.
It flourishes, growing rapidly, taking shape and form from those before Yet its identity becomes unique in developing individually –
A personality unlike any other demand attention – Self awareness insists on “me first” – Demanding flesh.
Not satisfied with experienced “others” who have been there before – Wanting to learn without discipline and control imposed – Claiming independence apart from man and God – Insisting personal rights are superior – Obnoxious flesh.
Subtle changes come with years and talk becomes smooth and nice – Manipulative actions push and pull demanding supremacy – Argumentative talk won’t stop until it wins – Eyes looking down long noses stare – Educated flesh.
Pious words backed by softly playing music supposedly spiritual – Loud songs with “God-words” and unusual lyrics – Great swelling words hard to understand – Rituals and traditions are priorities – Religious flesh.
Careless living, suggestive words that defile the mind and soul – Common-place use of God’s name as if it’s unholy – Darkness comes over the heart and hard eyes – Temptations have found a home – Sinful flesh.
“O God, my Lord: the world is bad and difficult to cope with and so I find it great relief to cast those kinds of cares on Thee. And the devil does attack like a lion and an angel of light and by the power of Christ and His name, I resist him. But this other enemy – this flesh, this terrible “Amalek”; he never lets up and uses so many different tactics. O my God, I cry for help and power over myself. Let not my own flesh devour me! In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”