We can read Scripture over and over and yet something will always stand out that we couldn’t see before. In Exodus 17 we first encounter Joshua and the first people to attack the Israelites. The Amalekites came and attacked the Israelites at Rephidim. Moses said to Joshua, “Choose some of our men and go out and fight the Amalekites. Tomorrow I will stand on top of the hill with the staff of God in my hands.” v. 8-9. In the commentary below it said: The Amalekites were descendants of Amalek, a grandson of Esau. They were a fierce nomadic tribe that lived in the desert region of the Dead Sea. They made part of their livelihood by conducting frequent raids on other settlements and carrying off plundered goods. They killed for pleasure.

Then the Lord said to Moses, “Write this on a scroll as something to be remembered and make sure that Joshua hears it, because I will completely blot out the name of Amalek from under heaven.” v. 14. What will God blot out? The name of Amalek. That got me to thinking about what other names or words will God blot out from under heaven and in His Kingdom here on Earth? Names associated with the worst that mankind does. What names would come to your mind that you would be grateful would be blotted out, never to be remembered? No matter what I may choose, I trust that God knows exactly what words will not endure and those that will.

Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give that person a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it. Revelation 2:17. Can you wrap your mind and heart around God choosing a new name for you written on a white stone and known only to you and God? That name would never suffer being blotted out forever! That name will be on a white stone and on our hearts…things that will endure.

The name Amalek will be blotted out, but the people will receive a new name. Be forgiving always, for this is love. Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits – who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion; who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. The Lord works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed. He made known his ways to Moses, his deeds to the people of Israel: The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. Psalm 103:1-12.

Abounding in love, compassionate and gracious working righteousness and justice for all the oppressed…He doesn’t kill for pleasure or grumble and complain against us. He forgives all our sins and will blot out names that will not stand for eternity with Him. I don’t know about you, but there are names I will be forever grateful I will never hear again. What words will we know more richly? But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23. In this world, as has always been, there are words that cause deep wounds and cause hate and terror. They will be no more one day. This day we can lift our eyes and hearts to God who loves so generously and teaches us words of love and healing. The closing, affirming words of Galatians? The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen. v. 18.

This morning in our Friday Morning Prayer Group, we were blessed to meet via Zoom with brothers and sisters from around the world. We were a small group but we were enriched by the Presence of the Holy Spirit bringing comfort and healing as we prayed and shared with one another. Brothers and sisters…which is what we are with all of God’s children and one day, we will all be together and learning how to truly love from God who will lead us to greater love…His love poured out abundantly. As we walk with Him today, we begin to experience that love that can only come from Him. His love is personal and deep and waiting to ignite in your heart. You will never be the same.