Man the fort!

Watch the road!

Strengthen your flanks!

Doesn’t that sound like something a military leader of old would have shouted. I can almost picture a cavalry officer or Civil War officer yelling this to the troops. Can’t you?

But this is part of a verse from the Bible. Here is the whole verse:

He who scatters has come up before your face.

Man the fort!

Watch the road!

Strengthen your flanks!

Fortify your power mightily. Nahum 2:1 (NKJV)

When I read this very this past week, I was struck with how timely this advice is. These words, written thousands of years ago, still apply today. To us. As a warning.

He who scatters has come up before your face – Who scatters? Every Christian knows this answer. Our enemy, the devil, does his best to scatter us or keep up from fellowship. He is like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour (I Peter 5:8) and he wants to get us alone and vulnerable.

Man the fort!  We must be aware of the danger. Being alert to the wiles of Satan can keep us from falling into his traps. To do that, we must watch our home, our workplace, our family. Be aware of what is going on around you. Note changes in atmosphere and pray for God’s wisdom and guidance. Carry His word with you in your heart.

The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer;

The God of my strength, in whom I will trust;

My shield and the horn of my salvation,

My stronghold and my refuge;

My Savior, You save me from violence. 2 Sam. 22: 2-3 (NKJV)

Watch the road! Be aware of what is coming. We know difficult times are ahead and we need to be ready for them. To stand strong a soldier of the Lord needs to be prepared. Watch for what is coming against you. Face the attack with grace and strength, not in fear and hatred. Watch the road and be prepared.

Strengthen your flanks! Know what is happening close around you. Encourage those who come alongside you. Spread words of wisdom. Know your scripture. Act with the love of God. Be a mighty Christian who stands on the rock of our salvation. Be strong in the Lord.

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Eph. 6:10 (NKJV)

Those words of old do apply today. The battle we face is the same. The enemy seeks to destroy us.

Be strong.

Stand in the Lord.