In Numbers chapter 31, you find Yahweh telling Moses to get Israel ready to go to war with the Midianites. Verse sixteen reveals that it was the false prophet, Balaam, who had advised the Midianites to use their women to entice Israelite men to sexual sin and the worship of their idols. Their destruction was God’s judgment for their deception and idolatry. Chapter 33:50-56, Yahweh instructs the Israelites to drive out ALL the inhabitants of the Promised Land and destroy ALL their idols and places of worship. Why? Because to leave even one would be a tempting invitation to forsake Yahweh. When we yield ourselves to the Lord Jesus, it is imperative that we become ruthless in removing those things and persons that would rival our affection for and submission to the Lord Jesus. Why? Because those things, activities, and relationships will avail tempting invitations to dishonor the Lord. Are you allowing things and/or people in your life to rival your love for and commitment to the Lord Jesus? If you really want to live life to the glory of God, be ruthless in “driving out the enemies” that keep you from experiencing the abundant life that Jesus offers to those who wholeheartedly trust and obey.
