WE DO HAVE ENEMIES

"But mine enemies are lively, and they are strong: and they that hate me wrongfully are multiplied." (Psalm 38:19, NKJV)

THE MAN OF GOD acknowledges the conflict brought on by his faith. There are individuals in the world that are "my enemies." If this were not so, Jesus would not have told us to "love" our "enemies." (Matt 5:44). They are against us, and are determined to reject the light they see in us. They oppose us because they have no alternative if they prefer this "present evil world" (Gal. 1:4). Such enemies are "lively," or living and active, taking the initiative against us. Their aggression is sometimes remarkable, lacking any support from reason or logic. But these enemies are also "strong" – at least that is how they appear. They are able to adversely affect us by accomplishing what we do not want them to accomplish. These enemies are in society. They are in our homes. They are also in our churches. They bring suffering and sorrow upon the people of God, and they often do so with apparent impunity and strength.

ENEMIES ARE NUMEROUS"They that hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of mine head: they that would destroy me, being mine enemies wrongfully, are mighty: then I restored that which I took not away" (Psa 69:4). Sometimes our enemies outnumber our friends. Their aggression often provokes us to give rather than take, and to bless when there is no apparent reason to bless. In this, we have our blessed Savior as the supreme example. While men took from Him, He brought blessing to them! He also said, "But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you" (Matt 5:44).

ENEMIES DRIVE US TO OUR GOD"All Thy commandments are faithful: they persecute me wrongfully; help Thou me" (Psa 119:86). Here, adherence to the Word of God incurred the indignation and hatred of the world. Further, their hatred erupted in persecution: the infliction of pain. Although this takes differing forms, ranging from excommunication from their society to bloody persecution, it all has a common effect: it provokes the persecuted one to call upon the Lord.

AGGRESSION AGAINST THE SAINTS"The people of the land have used oppression, and exercised robbery, and have vexed the poor and needy: yea, they have oppressed the stranger wrongfully" (Ezek 22:29). I do not cease to marvel at the hostility of the ungodly. Given due opportunity, they resort to oppression, robbery, and vexation. They seem to care little about the grief experienced by the godly. Whether it is hating Joseph, criticizing Moses, refusing to listen to Jeremiah, or the stoning of Stephen, the enemies of the saints have no regard for their persons, feelings, or advantage."

BEHOLD, I know your thoughts, and the devices which ye wrongfully imagine against me" (Job 21:27). The wicked concoct reasons to oppress the godly, even creating "devices" to bring the oppression to pass. Many are the believers that have experienced these sufferings – not only from the world in general, but from their own mates, members of their family, or even members of their church.

IT IS NOT OVER YET!"Let not them that are mine enemies wrongfully rejoice over me: neither let them wink with the eye that hate me without a cause" (Psa 35:19). The persecuted know more than the persecutors! Those who oppose the godly must not take delight in what they have done. By opposing the people of God, such have aligned themselves against God Himself, and He will "avenge His elect," though He appears to "bear long with them" and their prayers seem to be unanswered (Lk 18:7). The day has been appointed when the oppressors of the saints will bow at their feet, worship them, and acknowledge that Jesus has loved them (Rev 3:9).

PERSECUTION FROM PRINCES"Princes have persecuted me without a cause: but my heart standeth in awe of Thy word" (Psa 119:161). Opposition often comes from those in high circles. Herod killed John the Baptist, and Pilate joined with him in aggression against the Son of God (Lk 23:12). Today we are experiencing subtle opposition from the princes of the world. But it is "without cause" when inflicted upon those living by faith. What will be the reaction of the godly to this ungodly persecution? They stand in awe of the Word of the Lord! They will not tremble and fear before the rulers of this world, but will consider the commitments of the Lord in His Word. There is coming a time when opposition and enemies will cease, and the weary will be at rest. Until that time, we admit we have enemies, but we also admit they are vastly inferior to our God. We choose to put our trust in Him, and have no fear of man.

– Given O. Blakely