It was on this day in 1973 that Israeli forces crossed over the Suez Canal, going deeper into Egypt during the Yom Kippur War. This particular event marked a turning point in that war because, up until that point, it was in doubt as to whether Israel was going to survive. Initially, they had been overwhelmed by their enemies. On Yom Kippur, Israelis are thinking more about making peace with God and their fellow man than they are about making war. Furthermore, Judaism has taught, for centuries, that the one day of the year the Adversary couldn’t make an accusation against Israel was Yom Kippur. You could say that an attack on Yom Kippur was the last thing they expected.
As we see in this war and many other historical and biblical events and history, given the opportunity, the Adversary will test our beliefs and traditions, exposing and exploiting our weaknesses. There are those who believe that, in 1973, Israel was caught off guard because, in that stage of their existence, they had grown to trust in their own strengths and abilities rather than the God of Israel.
If we are not careful, believers can find ourselves in this situation as well. We can get so accustomed to victories that we don’t imagine that defeat is possible. Israel did, eventually, win this war but only because of the intervention from the God of heaven. History records many miracles along the way the victory, supplied by men who served in the IDF during that time. Things that shouldn’t have happened did happen, demonstrating once again that the nation of Israel exists only because of the God of Israel. He has proven time and again that He will defend and fight on behalf of His people.
There are times in our personal lives when the Adversary launches an attack against us. Sometime He lobs baseless accusations at us, and sometimes it’s because our missteps supply him with the ammunition. Sometimes these attacks are brought on by our overconfidence in self and we let our guard down. Whatever the circumstance, these attacks leave us feeling overwhelmed and that, at any moment, we are going under. In those times we must remember that we have an advocate in heaven who intercedes and intervenes on our behalf. We’re told in the Scripture:
“Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Messiah who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.” (Romans 8:33-34)
Given the opportunity, the Adversary is going to hurl an accusation and, if permitted, he will mount an attack against us to overwhelm and to overcome us. But, “if God is for us, who can be against us?” Still, we have the responsibility not to let our guard down. We shouldn’t think that our traditions are going to save us or preserve us. There is only One who can defend and save – our Father in heaven. So, we look unto Him as we seek to draw closer to Him and to fellowship with Him. Let us always look to Him for provision, protection, mercy and salvation.
Shalom!
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