The Lord of Hosts

It seems to me that there are times life feels like a battle. In some places like the Ukraine there is a literal battle going on, but the world we live in is more than just physical. There is a spiritual realm as well, a dimension which we often are unaware of but still is closely connected to the physical plane. Whether we are aware of it or not, there is a battle going on in this realm, and it involves us. When we feel that forces beyond our control are working against us we can turn to today’s reading for encouragement.

Psalm 46:1–11 ESV

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns. The nations rage, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah Come, behold the works of the Lord, how he has brought desolations on the earth. He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the chariots with fire. “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah

Times of trouble certainly describes the times we are living in. Many people are finding it difficult to make ends meet, stress and depression are increasing, natural disasters seem to be happening more often. Where can we turn to find help in these difficult times?

We are assured throughout the Scripture that God provides for our needs. Usually we apply this to our physical needs and our need for salvation. We saw this in God’s name Jehovah Jireh. But God also provides for us in another way, as indicated in another name we find used for Him – Lord of Hosts, Yahweh Sabat.

The Lord of hosts is a military title, portraying God as the commander of the armies (“Yahweh of armies”). It may refer to the army of Israel or to the heavenly host, the army of angels. This name tells us that God helps us in our battles. Our reading for today speaks of this.

The psalmist is affirming his trust in God

A refuge and strength

An ever present help

He makes wars to cease

He is expressing what he knows to be true because he has experienced God’s ever present help.

Because of this he is confident that even though everything is falling apart around him he will not be afraid because God is with him.

Twice he refers to God as the Lord of Hosts.

In the OT God was a warrior who gave the Israelites victory against their physical enemies. King of Syria at war with Israel. Army surrounds city of Dothan to capture Elisha.

2 Kings 6:15–17 When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. “Oh, my lord, what shall we do?” the servant asked. “Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” And Elisha prayed, “O Lord, open his eyes so he may see.” Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

Elisha prays, Syrian army struck with blindness. Elisha leads them to Samaria, has the king of Israel feed them and send them back to Syria. The Syrians did not come again on raids into the land of Israel.

We may not have literal enemies fighting against us, but we are in a battle, a spiritual battle.

Ephesians 6:11–12 NIV84

Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

Recognize that we are in a spiritual battle - no believer can simply sit on the sidelines or think that they are immune from being attacked. Satan is real, wants to tear down whatever God is doing. Peter says, “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.” (1 Peter 5:8–9)

John Stott puts it this way:

“Is God’s plan to create a new society? Then they will do their utmost to destroy it. Has God through Jesus Christ broken down the walls dividing human beings of different races and cultures from each other? Then the devil through his emissaries will strive to rebuild them. Does God intend his reconciled and redeemed people to live together in harmony and purity? Then the powers of hell will scatter among them the seeds of discord and sin.”

Do not underestimate the enemy – evil, clever

Seek to deceive us - he prefers to seduce us into compromise and deceive us into error

Seek to take away our peace and joy

Seek to make us doubt or be afraid

Seek to turn us away from God

Do not overestimate the enemy

The power of God is stronger – we can seek and rely on His strength. The only power the enemy has is the power we give to him.

The armor of God is available - provides protection against the attacks of the enemy. Armor is defensive, we put it on and stand firm.

Be still - The Hebrew verb means to cease, be inactive.

Know that God is God – He is our refuge , our fortress, and our strength

God already defeated Satan when Jesus rose from the dead, the final victory will come when Christ returns. In the meantime we are to stand firm in the faith, resisting the devil and he will flee.

Martin Luther was often very graphic in his description of the activities of the Devil. Asked one time how he overcame the Devil, he replied, “Well, when he comes knocking upon the door of my heart, and asks ‘Who lives here?’ the dear Lord Jesus goes to the door and says, ‘Martin Luther used to live here but he has moved out. Now I live here.’ The Devil seeing the nail-prints in the hands, and the pierced side, takes flight immediately.”

It is surely good for every life and for every home to have Jesus as a permanent resident. This assured, heavenly blessings are sure to fall upon such bodies.

When Satan knocks, who opens the door of your heart?

When we know that God is the Lord of Hosts with us we can face whatever struggle we are having with the same confidence as the psalmist.