Connect Numbers 23:24 with Ephesians 6:10-11 on spiritual warfare readiness. Israel pictured as a lion ready for battle “Behold, the people rise up like a lioness; they rouse themselves like a lion. They will not lie down until they devour their prey and drink the blood of the slain.” (Numbers 23:24) • Balaam is hired to curse Israel, yet God compels him to bless. • The blessing paints Israel as a lion—alert, powerful, untiring until victory is complete. • The image is literal and prophetic: God’s covenant people are preserved and empowered to overcome every foe that opposes His promise. Paul summons believers to stand like lions “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes.” (Ephesians 6:10-11) • “Be strong” mirrors the lion’s strength; “put on” matches the lion’s readiness. • The enemy has shifted from physical nations to unseen rulers and authorities (Ephesians 6:12), yet the call to fearless conquest remains. Three parallels that tighten the connection • Rising versus standing: Israel “rise[s] up,” believers “stand.” Both postures reject passivity. • Devouring prey versus resisting schemes: the lion finishes the battle; the armored saint withstands until the devil flees (James 4:7). • Divine enablement: God gives Israel courage; God supplies armor and power to the church. The full armor—our lion-hearted equipment • Belt of truth: keeps everything cinched and secure—no stumbling (John 17:17). • Breastplate of righteousness: Christ’s righteousness guards the heart (2 Corinthians 5:21). • Shoes of the gospel of peace: mobility to advance, not merely defend (Romans 10:15). • Shield of faith: extinguishes flaming arrows, just as a lioness swats threats aside (1 Peter 5:9). • Helmet of salvation: confidence that the battle’s outcome is settled (1 Thessalonians 5:8). • Sword of the Spirit, the word of God: offensive strike that never dulls (Hebrews 4:12). • Vigilant prayer in the Spirit (Ephesians 6:18): continual communication with the Commander. Practical steps for spiritual warfare readiness 1. Daily rise early in Scripture—feed on the word as a lion on prey (Jeremiah 15:16). 2. Dress consciously in the armor—name each piece as you begin the day. 3. Guard the mind—reject lies immediately with truth (Philippians 4:8). 4. Maintain gospel footing—look for opportunities to advance peace in Christ. 5. Cultivate bold, righteous living—“The righteous are as bold as a lion.” (Proverbs 28:1) 6. Stay alert—your adversary prowls like a lion, but you belong to the Lion of Judah (1 Peter 5:8; Revelation 5:5). 7. Hold the line together—armor language is plural; stand shoulder to shoulder with fellow believers (Hebrews 10:24-25). Additional scriptural reinforcements • “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous… the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9) • “The weapons of our warfare… have divine power to demolish strongholds.” (2 Corinthians 10:4) • “Let us discard the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.” (Romans 13:12) Summary encouragement The same God who made Israel rise like a lion equips the church with His mighty armor. Stand up, suit up, and stay unflinching until every scheme of the enemy is swallowed in victory. |
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