THE MIGHTY HAND OF GOD

"Thy right hand, O Lord, is become glorious in power: thy right hand, O Lord, hath dashed in pieces the enemy" (Exodus 15:6).

Even though some Christians know they are forgiven and safe, they lack a sense of power against the flesh. They have not come into the knowledge of "full deliverance" from their evil nature. Christian, by his blood he secures us, then by his mighty hand he breaks the power of sin in us. Sin still dwells, but it does not rule!

"Delivered from slavery by the strength of his hand." What an incredibly encouraging word in these days of disillusionment and super-human efforts to be free of sin's power. Yet we are so reluctant to acknowledge the work of God's hand. It goes against our pride, our sense of justice, our theology, to accept the truth that our deliverance from sin's dominion comes from a power other than our own. But look at our example: Israel went out armed, but all the battles were the Lord's. "The Lord saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the Lord's (1 Samuel 17:47). It is recorded in Exodus that "...the children of Israel went out with a high hand" (14:8) and sang praises to God after passing safely through the Red Sea.

The blood secured Israel from divine judgment, but the high hand of God delivered them from the power of the flesh. They had experienced security and rejoiced in it; now they needed power! Power to once and for all do away with the old enemy, and power to arm them against all the new enemies to come. That power is in the Lord's high and mighty hand.

We have been given great and precious promises surpassing those given to Israel. God has promised to deliver us from all evil and seat us in heavenly places in Christ Jesus, free from the dominion of sin.

But first we must learn to hate sin—no agreements, no compromises. Coddle your sin, play with it, let it remain, refuse to demolish it—and one day it will become the most painful thing in your life.

Do not pray about victory over the sins of the flesh until you have cultivated a hatred for them. God will have nothing to do with our excuses and appeasement. Are you enslaved by a secret sin that causes turmoil and anguish, both physically and spiritually? Do you hate it with a passion? Do you feel God’s holy wrath against it?

Until you do, victory will never come.