Sheila.Jackson@simsmm.com
God has a way of using any and everything to bring out a revelation on how he wants us to behave and live.
The other night there was a program on where there was a family of Cheetah brothers, Achilles, Odom and Sheeva, who was the younger of the three.
Achilles was the courageous one, Odom was following his lead and Sheeva was the insecure one.
One day Achilles went off to find a mate and because of his bravery stumbled upon a King Cobra in the grass. Being confident that he was a true warrior he challenged the snake. Cheetahs are not known for their aggressive behavior because they are very docile creatures who back-down from a fight because of their body structure. They are meant for speed and speed only.
But Achilles challenged the snake and lost. Meanwhile his two brothers waited for his return. One day, turned in to two, two days, into 3 three and three days in to four, four days into five.
On the 5th day the two remaining brothers knew that Achilles was not going to return to them. Their animal instinct had alerted them that he was dead.
It is a known fact the Cheetahs must eat every two to three days if not they will become weak and dehydrated. These two had gone five whole days with no water or food. Nor had they moved from the spot where they would groom and spar with one another. They were still waiting in hopes that their brother would return. Think about that, what a sacrifice to your own well being, waiting on a promise for something to return.
The number five means grace, and on the mid-afternoon of the 5th day they went to take a sip of water. Both kneeling down, lapping with their backs arched but eyes skimming every portion of the lake. Not only were they weak and hungry, but, they were afraid. They didn’t have their older brother to go out and hunt for the food. Normally all they had to do was partake of it. They now had to find it for themselves. With death staring them in the face, they made a choice, A CHOICE TO LIVE.
Odom the second eldest brother remembered Achilles’ hunting tactics, which was to take the lead and run the pray down, but he knew he needed someone stronger that could fill in for his old position, that had to be Sheeva, who was not confident and lacked focus. Odom taking all this into consideration was at his wits end and it showed on his face. But they made the decision to live and hunt is what they had to do for this to come to pass.
Odom spotted pray from afar off and made a move. He drove it to the ground, but Sheeva lost his position and the mother of the assumed victim was able to get pass and quickly pursued Odom. For fear of being stabbed to death by the antelope’s horns, Odom retreated. Full of disgust they went away hungry for the night.
Morning came and the sun warmed their bodies to start their hunt again. Did I mention the number five meant grace? Well by grace God allowed another opportunity for them to test their skills. This time when the chase was on, Odom was the victor. Sheeva on the other hand missed the mark again.
The prey was not shared with him. Remarkably unlike us, Sheeva didn’t seem to be phased by it. He didn’t try to nibble one bite. Since his brother caught the prey, in his eyesight, he didn’t deserve to eat. In love he licked his brother’s face and from that point on, he started to pay close attention on how to attack prey.
Here’s a lesson to be learned for the Believer, others will not be able to do for you, like you should learn to do for yourself. Pay attention to the Word of God and perk up your spiritual ears to listen and seize the moment for victory.
The story continues as Sheeva who now takes the initiative to stalk prey and Odom backs him up to take down a 60 lbs. Warthog…..SUCCESS!!
In working together, now their bellies were satisfied from the meat of their labor. Just like us, when we obey and take note in what God is saying, our prayers are answered and we are glad in our spirits.
Stay with me it’s winding up.
Now we have two "experienced" hunters who can take the lead at any time and know that their chances will be great to survive. But deep down within their animal instinct, they miss they’re brother, Achilles. The brothers also knew that having that third party would prove they were invincible, bonded by blood they knew they were strong and no worry in catching prey would ever be in question.
Like us, we sometimes desire what is in the world and it causes us to be defeated in spirit. The word of God reminds us that, "we are in the world, but not of the world." Also knowing that Jesus is our Advocate, we cannot loose. He is the piece to the puzzle of our lives and we are guaranteed victory every time.
Well after a day of hunting the brothers are marking their territory so that the enemy will know that they have staked claim to this portion of the desert. But what they found out while marking, is that another scent is already there.
The Adversary, who knows our old stomping grounds will show up unannounced, just to see how much you and I have missed where we came from or to see how much you and I have learned about God’s kingdom. He uses these tactics to throw us off guard. But our Cheetah brothers have one up on their enemy. They’ve called out to another as to say, "You know who this!!"
They answer one another as to say, "Yes" without any reservation or fear they settle in for the night. The stranger, later identified as "Ajax" is looking at them both thru the trees wondering, why they haven’t tried to fight him?
The next morning, "Ajax", the stranger, confronts the brothers, with hissing and the show of fangs. The brothers snap back at him, as if to say, "We don’t fight." They recognize something about him and walk right pass him to hunt for food.
Here’s another reminder for the Believer, always know when and where your enemy is going to show up. Keep a checklist on where you are weak in your spirit and get built up in those areas by fasting and praying. Also surround yourselves with the Elders/Saints of God, so that the enemy cannot penetrate your mind and continue to confound the enemy, by walking in faith. The enemy is "like a roaring lion", and can only bite, if God allows him to and even if he strikes at us, God is able to heal our wounds and set us back on the path of righteousness.
Well, the brothers make a kill and bring it back to their land. They go on about their business and proceed to have dinner. Ajax is still looking on and peering out from the bushes. He starts to walk closer. The brothers neither snarl nor look up at him. Next thing you know Ajax has joined them. They allow him to partake of their meal with no issues. He is shocked.
The Lord will do that to our enemies. The word of God says, "the enemy will behave – Deut. 32,27." The enemy will recognize God’s favor/anointing and pass right by you.
In short, Ajax turned out to be Odom’s and Sheeva’s cousin. Therefore there was no need to fight with family. The brothers had made up their minds that they would share this land and be at peace with one another plus they were still bound by blood. Ajax had no idea that they even knew who he was but he was accepted and loved by them.
In the days to come Ajax took the deceased brother’s place. They let him lead in the attacks. He became the ram in the bush to make them complete and a functioning unit again.
Just like Christ did for us. His death gave us life and renewed our relationship with God so that we can commune with him while on earth, yet using kingdom principles such as prayer to maintain victory thru the Spirit of God.
The Cheetah brothers declared, there was no need to fight when there was nothing to fight for. We come in peace and the only way you can stay with us is that you become peaceful too. Ajax didn’t realize how much of an asset he would become to them.
It’s wonderful and comforting to see the potential in something or somebody, when they can’t see it, knowing that God is going to work a miraculous work in their lives that will reassure them of their purpose
Let us as Believers "keep the peace" for in it holds life’s purposes, strategies, leadership, love and most all strength in the Lord our God.
AMEN.
Copyright Sheila Jackson
