Caught between Bozez and Seneh : A rock and a hardplace

What to do when caught up between a rock and a hard place. This post shows a new phrase used to explain a Jonathanic experience. So therefore, we'll be looking at practical steps from the infallible word of God. 

1 Samuel 14:4‭-‬5 NMV ‘And between the passages, by which Y’honatan [Yehovah has Given] sought to go over unto the P’lishtim [Immigrants]’ Garrison (fortification; military post), [there was] a sharp rock on the one side, and a sharp rock on the other side: and the name of the one [was] Botzetz [surpassing white; glistening], and the name of the other Seneh [thorny]. The forefront of the one [was] situate northward over against Mikhmas [hidden], and the other southward over against Giv’ah [Hill].’

You can also read 1 Samuel 13:16-14:52  to get the full context of you don't know it already. 

Looking at the meaning of the names of the defender Jonathan, the challenger philistine, the locations Bozez, Seneh, Michmash and Givah. You'll see what victory strategy God has put in place. Why is it that it was a Jonathan which means God has (already) given that came out so bold? It is simple, and that's because of his name. As the Yoruba people says 'Orúkọ ọmọ a má roo ọmọ.' The Spirit of the name Jonathan and the angels of Jonathan had a networking agreement to bid the work of their bearer. 

As depicted by the CEO and the Rabbi, when sandwiched between a raging battle and an endless water, walk into the water. This of course is a figurative statement, though true. But walking into the water shows a futuristic view, for nobody goes forward holding to the past. Which means when caught between two unwanted situations always choose the one that gravitates to the future not the past. A decision based on the past would have been to send an emissary to the raging battle of Pharaoh, but the strategy imprinted by Jehovah is a futuristic strategy. I would rather die walking to the future than to go back to the past. 

Our God is the same yesterday today and forever, that comes with His omnipresent ability. For us His creations He has created only two movement for us, these are forward motion or backward motion. But He always wants us to look forward (Deut 30v19), that's the reason why the bronze snake was placed ahead of the bitten (if you don't believe me check the logo of the Worlds Health Organization or the pharmacies in some European countries). That's why He led them with the pillar of cloud and fire in their front to build their frontal lobe. That's why the Bible advised us to always look unto Jesus as the author and finisher of our faith. Brethren, have you noticed that no raging battle (slander, childlessness, joblessness, sickness and other nesses) ever comes from the front (meaning future) but always from the back (symbolizing past actions, habits, decisions)? Why is that? That's because no raging battle is bold enough to confront us from the front, because guess Who stays at the front! Of course it is our LORD Jehovah Sabaoth (Psalm 2v4). So those on the Lord's side must ensure to move when the cloud has moved. The Bible never mentioned the cloud moving backward, but always forward (Exo 13v21). So therefore, all obedient children of Elohim must move towards the direction and directives of Elohim and that's to maintain a strict forward movement. Jesus Christ moved forward to the cross, He moved forward by sacrificing His life and He was rewarded by now perfectly seated on the right hand side of God (Mark 16v19), not just answering our beck and call but also interceding for us (Roman 8:38).

There are so many things about the Bible you wouldn't understand or appreciate unless you look at it from the holistic viewpoint, for example the parting of the red Sea, our main Bible summarized that experience as God sending an east wind throughout the night, which is valid and unchallenged, but what was hidden was that someone had to take the first step. Which was well illustrated in the Midrash (Jewish depiction of exegesis). The Midrash relates that during the Exodus, when the Israelites reached the Red Sea, it did not automatically part. The Israelites stood at the banks of the sea and wailed with despair, but Nahshon Ben Aminadab (one of the princes of Judah) entered the waters. The first step got to his ankle deep, then waist deep, then chest deep, then his shoulders were submerged, then up to his cheek. Only until he was up to his nose in the water, did the sea part. What's God trying to say? I thought He was omnipotent and can do all things?! Yes, He can do all things, but permit me to reiterate what I have illustrated in one of my previous blog posts, that God will not put us in a situation He has not enabled us to conquer (I Cor 10v13, Psalm 34v19), and doing for us what He has enabled us to do for ourselves will make Him an irresponsible Father. In this age of social media, no one would be proud to have an irresponsible Father, not to talk of a God. 

Yes, tough times might or would come, that's not the time to despair. Don't look at the complexity of the situation but look at the infallibility of the word of God. The onus is on you to take that step forward towards the future that looks impossible (it is always impossible until it is done - Nelson Mandela). It is left to you to maintain your course towards that goal, towards that dream and don't even dare to look back (Gen 19v26; Luke 9v62). Even though all hell might be breaking loose left, right, back and centre, you have to maintain your gaze on the author and finisher of your life. You may not feel it, you may not know it, but the situation does feel and know that every step towards your future comes with a sound frequency and eternal rhythm that will humble that Jerichoic situations. Every step towards the future is a step to/in the future. Every step towards the future is a step of faith. So if the person who called you and I is Eyher Asher Eyher (Exo 3v14), then you will be wise to trust His ability to part the sea, and make the mountains skip like ram before you. Which can only be a reality once you keep going forward like Jonathan, despite being ill-equipped, and over matched on all frontiers. Victory is what you already have, and that's what the challenge(s) is trying to see if you really understand what you possess (please read my post on 'Who are you?'). So, permanently close the back door and intuitively keep reaching for the front door. 

Please don't take this as an easier said than done thing. I am not a do as I sayer but a do as I doer. Some of this grammar would not make sense, but the nutshell of what I am trying to say is that I practice what I preach. (Why couldn't you have said that before!). I can affirm to you that I have had my fair share of challenges and still have some challenging my victory. But holding on to the sure word of God has been nothing but a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path (Psalm 119v105). On several occasions I have had to come back to read some of my posts to also draw strength from the wisdom of God through the inspiration of His King Spirit. 

For some of us that promised land might be a billion dollar empire, for some the promised land could be that new house, new job Etcetera. But for the wisest among us that promised land is the New Jerusalem. Whatever the promised land is to you, my farewell message is see you at the promised land. You will surely get there if you faint not (Gal 6v9). 

Shalom aleichem brothers and sisters 

Babasile Daniel I