The Old Testament describes God as the ‘LORD of hosts’ (1Samuel 7:45). Translated from the original Hebrew, this term simply means, ‘God of the angelic armies of heaven.’ (See https://www.gotquestions.org/Lord-of-hosts.html)
The well-known Sunday School story of David and Goliath describes Goliath as tall and strong (1Samuel 17:4-7). On the other hand, David’s appearance was not anywhere near imposing and Goliath disdained him (1Samuel 17:42). David boldly declared to Goliath in verse 45, ‘. . . You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.’ The rest is history.
As we move along life’s uncharted pathways, sometimes we meet roadblocks, obstacles and hurdles that seem unsurmountable. Under such circumstances, it is most reassuring for us to recall that our God is the LORD of hosts, the commander of the angelic armies of heaven.
John Paton and his wife were missionaries in the South Pacific. One night, hostile natives surrounded their compound, threatening to burn it down and kill them. From within, they kept praying. Eventually, nothing happened. They thanked God.
A year later, the chief of the natives became a Christian. John enquired why they did not carry out their threat to burn down the compound and kill them. The chief said they were too afraid as they had seen an army with drawn swords, surrounding the compound.’ (See https://www.godsotherways.com/stories/2015/4/24/missionaries-protected-in-the-south-pacific)
When we are surrounded by issues, pray in faith. When things are too formidable for us to handle, we can call upon our LORD of hosts to keep watch over us.
Elder Richard Lai
