Pyrrhic or Permanent Victory? – DCLM Daily Manna 24 March 2019

Topic: Pyrrhic or Permanent Victory?
[DCLM Daily Manna 24 March 2019 Daily Devotional by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi] Text: Isaiah 10:20-34 (KJV)

Key Verse: “Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD of hosts, O my people that dwellest in Zion, be not afraid of the Assyrian: he shall smite thee with a rod, and shall lift up his staff against thee, after the manner of Egypt. For yet a very little while, and the indignation shall cease, and mine anger in their destruction” (Isaiah 10:24,25).

MESSAGE:

The Pyrrhic War was fought between 280-275 BC. It was a war fought by Pyrrhus, the king of Epirus. History has it that Pyrrhus was asked by the people of the city of Tarentum in southern Italy to help them in their war with the Roman Republic. As a skilled commander, with a strong army fortified by war elephants, Pyrrhus enjoyed initial success against the Roman legions, but suffered heavy losses even in these victories. A Greek biographer and essayist quoted Pyrrhus confessing after the second battle of the war, “If we are victorious in one more battle with the Romans, we shall be utterly ruined.”

At the time of this prophecy by Prophet Isaiah, the Israelites had a fierce oppressor, an Assyrian king and commander who had an expansive war armoury and was ready to attack. Meanwhile, Israel had sinned against God as they always did and became helpless as a result. The enemy wanted to capitalise on their plight and take undue advantage over them. But God, who is rich in mercies, announced through the prophet that He was going to deliver the repentant remnants.

The enemy’s victory was compared to the temporary victory the Egyptians enjoyed when they thought they had caught the Israelite at the Red Sea. Just as God gave Israel a permanent victory over their oppressors at Egypt, He was also going to give them a resounding victory over the Assyrian oppressor.

Those who recognise the invincible God and maintain a living relationship with Him, certainly know that the enemy’s victory is at best short-term. Beloved, are you passing through some fearsome challenges and tribulations of life? Hold your peace for your Saviour has prevailed on your behalf. You will eventually rejoice over all the storms across your path.

Thought For The Day: God always has the final say and He gives permanent victory to all who love and obey Him.

The Bible In One Year: Deuteronomy 10-12