DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- BREAKTHROUGH

DAD'S RAMBLINGS – BREAKTHROUGH

"The Philistines also went and deployed themselves in the Valley of Rephaim.  So David inquired of the LORD, saying, 'Shall I go up against the Philistines?'  And the LORD said to David, 'Go up, for I will doubtless deliver the Philistines into your hand.'  So David went to Baal Perazim, and David defeated them there; and he said, 'The LORD has broken through my enemies before me, like a breakthrough of water.' Therefore he called the name of that place Baal Perazim."    (II Samuel 5:18-20)

David had just been crowned king of all the combined nations of Israel and Judah.  When the Philistines heard this news, they decided to attack this new kingdom.  Perhaps they thought that the political situation would be unstable and in turmoil, or perhaps they feared the strength of this union.  The enemy just doesn't give up.  

At any rate, David and his army went out to meet them, and God gave them victory over the Philistines.  David named that place Baal-Perazim, which translated means "The Master of Breakthrough."  God broke through with victory.

I once attended a church that called the Sunday evening church service, "Breakthrough."  At the time, I thought it referred to believers breaking through to new heights in their faith.  But in light of this verse, perhaps it was meant to mean God breaking through with victory in the lives of people going through battles with the enemy, Satan.

God is the Master of Breakthrough.  When the enemy attacks with its hordes, God is still in control.  He brings victory when it seems the enemy is overwhelming.  I can live by faith at Baal-Perazim – the place where God breaks through.

Love,  Dad