The Vulture…The Enemy
by:: angie c tipton
act now ministries
6.25.10
Have you ever stepped out in faith to do something that the Lord has asked you do to, only to find great resistance? Why all the resistance? Could it be that the timing is wrong, nothing is going like you thought it would for various reasons, or maybe people discouraged or even tried to stop you.
Well, as I was reading Genesis 15 one day, I was especially drawn to verses 7-11. Here, the LORD is telling Abram that He has given him the land as his possession. Abram questions how he can be sure that he will possess the land. Then, the LORD instructs him to bring animals for a sacrifice. Abram obeys. After Abram prepared the animals, verse 11 says, “Some vultures swooped down to the carcasses, but Abram chased them away.” I find that verse interesting.
I believe what Abram experienced with the vultures, parallels the resistance that we experience when we step out in faith to accomplish more of what the Lord has for us in our lives.
Webster’s definition of a vulture is; 1. a large bird that lives chiefly on carrion, or, the decaying flesh of dead animals. 2. a greedy, ruthless person.
According to information from studies on vultures, the type of vulture in this story could be classified as an “old world vulture”. This is a type of vulture that finds dead carcasses strictly by sight. They would seldom attack healthy animals, but, would occasionally kill wounded or sick animals.
Now, the way I see it in Abram’s case, the vulture is just “doin’ what vultures do best”… taking care of the dead carcasses. That’s how they stay alive. It’s their job or “calling” in life. But, I believe the Lord is using this to show us just how brazen the enemy is in attacking us when we step up and do what God has called us to do. Also, and more importantly, Abram’s response to the vultures is an example of how we need to step up the spiritual warfare and chase away the enemy.
Abram faithfully gathered the animals, prepared them for the sacrifice and then, the “enemy” attacked. At that point Abram didn’t just sit back and say, “Well, maybe this isn’t the right time for me to make a sacrifice” or “This sacrifice thing is just not going the way that I thought it would” or “These vultures are trying to stop me from doing what God has called me to do”. No! He took action!
Just as a vulture is able to find carcasses by sight only, I believe that is one way the enemy works against us. When he sees us taking a step forward, he sees a possible “meal”, so to speak. Then, he begins to encircle us. The bible says, “Be self controlled, your enemy, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.” 1 Peter 5:8 If the enemy can discourage us enough, causing us to “weaken or be sickly”, I believe he then swoops in for the kill…doing everything he can to kill our God given dreams, desires or even us. That is, if we allow him to do so!
The second definition of a vulture is related to people. Many times people do act as “vultures” when it comes to their response to our dreams and desires...ultimately, God’s plan for our life. Remember, your dreams or desires are between you and God. “Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalms 37:4 “ In his heart, a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.” Proverbs 16:9 No one else can tell you what God’s plan is for your life. Others can give advice or guidance, but, don’t expect everyone to support the dreams and desires that you see for yourself. So, get with God, go for it and keep in mind; “We do not wrestle against flesh and blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:12 We’re not wrestling against people, even though it may feel that way at times. Also remember that, “…if God be for us, who can be against us?” Romans 8:31
So, the vulture…the enemy, can really cause a lot of problems for us if we allow him to do so. When we step out in faith and do something that the Lord is leading us to do, we shouldn’t be surprised when we experience resistance. By the resistance, we should realize that we are most likely moving in the right direction, but it may take time…and maybe more time than what we might think. The enemy just doesn’t like it and he’ll do anything to keep us from moving forward in Jesus.
Remember Abram’s quick action to chase away the vultures and parallel that action in your own life concerning spiritual warfare. Find scriptures that line up with what you are fighting against and speak the Word out loud. Don’t forget the words of Jesus; “The thief does not come, except to steal, kill and destroy. I have come that they may have life and have it more abundantly.” John 10:10
For God so loved the world that he gave his only son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16
Don’t allow the enemy to get the best of you! Grow in the Lord and enjoy your life!
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