The Enemy Frustrated
We can trust in the Lord's power to stop our enemies and protect us, and in doing so, we will be filled with wonder and praise as we see the perfection of His deliverance.
C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes that God is capable of thwarting the plans of our enemies, as illustrated in the story of the king of Assyria, who could not harm the city despite his threats. He reassures believers that in moments of extreme difficulty, God's power and wisdom shine through, often preventing adversaries from causing any harm. Spurgeon encourages trust in the Lord, reminding us that we should not fear until the enemy actually appears, and even then, we can rely on God's protection and deliverance. The sermon highlights the importance of faith in God's ability to intervene and the resulting praise that comes from witnessing His deliverance.
Text
Therefore thus saith the Lord concerning the king of Assyria, He shall not come into this city, nor shoot an arrow there, nor come before it with shield, nor cast a bank against it. (2 Kings 19:32)
Neither did Sennacherib molest the city. He had boasted loudly, but he could not carry out his threats. The Lord is able to stop the enemies of His people in the very act. When the lion has the lamb between his jaws, the great Shepherd of the sheep can rob him of his prey. Our extremity only provides an opportunity for a grander display of divine power and wisdom.
In the case before us, the terrible foe did not put in an appearance before the city which he thirsted to destroy. No annoying arrow could he shoot over the walls, and no besieging engines could- he put to work to batter down the castles, and no banks could he cast up to shut in the inhabitants. Perhaps in our case also the Lord will prevent our adversaries from doing us the least harm. Certainly He can alter their intentions or render their designs so abortive that they will gladly forego them. Let us trust in the Lord and keep His way, and He will take care of us. Yea, He will fill us with wondering praise as we see the perfection of His deliverance.
Let us not fear the enemy till he actually comes, and then let us trust in the Lord.
Sermon Outline
- The Lord's Promise to Protect His People
- The Lord's Protection is a Grand Display of Power
- Trust in the Lord for Protection
- The king of Assyria's threats were thwarted
- The Lord's power can stop enemies in their tracks
- Our extremity is an opportunity for divine power
- The Lord can alter the intentions of our adversaries
- Don't fear the enemy until they arrive
- Trust in the Lord and keep His way
Key Quotes
“When the lion has the lamb between his jaws, the great Shepherd of the sheep can rob him of his prey.” — C.H. Spurgeon
“Our extremity only provides an opportunity for a grander display of divine power and wisdom.” — C.H. Spurgeon
“Let us trust in the Lord and keep His way, and He will take care of us.” — C.H. Spurgeon
Application Points
- We should not fear our enemies until they actually come, and then we should trust in the Lord.
- We can trust in the Lord's power to stop our enemies and protect us.
- Let us trust in the Lord and keep His way, and He will take care of us.