In what ways can we identify and reclaim "Ramoth-gilead" in our spiritual journey? Setting the Scene “Then the king of Israel said to his servants, ‘Do you know that Ramoth-gilead belongs to us, and yet we are doing nothing to take it out of the hand of the king of Aram?’” (1 Kings 22:3) Ramoth-gilead, “Heights of Gilead,” stood as • a Levitical city of refuge (Joshua 20:8; 21:38) • strategically vital ground frequently contested (1 Kings 22; 2 Kings 9) • part of Israel’s God-given inheritance (Deuteronomy 4:43) The account reminds believers that territory granted by God can be lost through neglect or compromise—and must be reclaimed in faith. What Ramoth-gilead Represents in the Heart • A place of safety: Christ is the ultimate Refuge (Hebrews 6:18) • A high point of fellowship and worship: life “seated…in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 2:6) • A forgotten promise or gift: any aspect of calling, freedom, or joy surrendered to the enemy • A decisive battleground: where complacency is exchanged for obedience Recognizing Personal Ramoth-gilead Moments Look for areas where • scriptural truths once cherished now lie dormant • past victories gave way to compromise or fear • the Holy Spirit prompts conviction about surrendered ground • spiritual lethargy has replaced zeal (Revelation 2:4-5) Steps to Reclaim What Belongs in Christ 1. Agree with God’s verdict • “Return, faithless children; I will heal your backslidings” (Jeremiah 3:22). • Acknowledge the territory is rightfully yours through Christ. 2. Seek fresh counsel from the Word • Jehoshaphat insisted on hearing “the word of the LORD first” (1 Kings 22:5). • Immerse heart and mind in Scripture until God’s promise outweighs every discouragement. 3. Reject alliances that weaken faith • Ahab pulled Jehoshaphat into a battle under false pretenses; discern ungodly partnerships. 4. Advance in obedient courage • Joshua’s charge remains: “Be strong and courageous…for the LORD your God is with you” (Joshua 1:9). • Step into prayer, service, reconciliation—whatever restores the lost ground. 5. Stand firm after victory • Ramoth-gilead served as a refuge; keep watch so the regained height stays under godly control (1 Corinthians 16:13). Scriptures That Fuel the Pursuit • Joel 2:25 – God restores years the locusts have eaten. • Romans 8:37 – “In all these things we are more than conquerors.” • Philippians 3:12-14 – Press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of you. • 2 Timothy 1:6 – Fan into flame the gift of God. Living in the Reclaimed Heights Recovered territory becomes a platform for • deeper worship • bolder witness • increased compassion for the straying (Galatians 6:1) • enduring hope, anchored “behind the veil” (Hebrews 6:19) Just as Ramoth-gilead was meant to stay under Israel’s care, every regained promise or calling is guarded through continual reliance on the Spirit and unwavering trust in the sufficiency of God’s Word. |
    |