Then came Amalek, and fought with Israel in Rephidim. Exodus 17:8
The name Rephidim means resting place. But for the journeying children of Israel, it was anything but. Our text introduces the Israelites to a troublesome people who would dog their pathway through the wilderness and for centuries in the promised land. At Rephidim, these people made their first appearance, with a cowardly attack on the weak and slow Israelites at the back of the flowing multitude. Their perpetual and pesky animosity reminds us of the enemies that create so much trouble for Christians today.
The Amalekites are long gone, but their modern equivalents will be with us. As the people of God, we are targets of the devil, and he and his minions in the world will do their worst to make us miserable every day. From opposing us directly in our worship and service for the Lord, to enticing us to abandon our life of faith, they attack and annoy. And they are aided by the enemy within, our sinful nature that is called the flesh. Every day we have a battle to keep the enemies suppressed, and to give the Holy Spirit the control of our lives.
Who were those Amalekites? Amalek was a grandson of Esau, the twin brother of Jacob, or Israel. Close relatives! And yet enemies. They remind us that our worst enemies are often those who are near to us, by blood or other relationships. So-called friends who bring temptations and opposition into our lives. Relatives who try to make family ties more important than the claims of Christ. Modern day Amalekites with nothing but opposition toward our progress for the Lord.
Amalek is ready to fight you today. Are you prepared to oppose and stand firm for your Lord? -Jim MacIntosh
Here is the link tol the video of this message: https://youtu.be/zjQRT6ZJsE8