Text: Joshua 10:22-27; Acts 8:9-11; Luke 9:51-56

It is no coincidence that Adonizedek, king of Jerusalem, called on Hoham, king of Hebron, first to be an ally against Israel—Hebron means “league” or “confederacy” and Hoham means “whom Yahweh impales.” I see in this allegiance the lord of justice who defends himself (Adonizedek, more on that tomorrow) aligning first with the one who is used by “Jehovah” to pierce their enemies. But to have the blessings and power of Jehovah one must serve Him; thus, it was Hoham who was impaled and not Israel.

In making application with this Amorite spirit, today’s “Hohams” are 1)those who don’t serve the Lord but want to be known as a great power of Him; 2) those who serve the Lord but are influenced to misuse His power and authority.

Simon the sorcerer epitomizes the first by making himself great in the eyes of people and they would then say, “This man is a great power of God” (cf. Acts 8:10). James and John are a picture of believers who can be wrongly influenced to misuse His power and authority: “And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did? But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of” (Luke 9:54-55 KJV).

Today’s prayer is two-fold: pray first for those whose lives don’t reflect our Lord and neither display the fruit of His Spirit; yet, still use His Name to draw disciples after themselves. Speak wisdom and revelation over those seduced to follow them so they may see the truth and leave the lie. Also, pray for those believers who lose sight of Christ’s mission (salvation) and are influenced to tear down rather than build up. Pray Luke 9:56 KJV: “For the Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them” and examine yourself to avoid being manipulated by this Amorite spirit.