Plunder is not a common part of our vocabulary – or our experience. We simply don’t do a lot of plundering in this day and age. However, that wasn’t the case in Bible times. The “PS” to every battle won was the plunder – cows, sheep, gold, silver, even people – all considered the rightful gain of the victor.
I was reading this morning of one of Judah’s battles in the Old Testament. They were a small nation and Scripture tells us they were facing a “vast army and three hundred chariots” which gave the enemy a decided advantage over Judah. But Judah cried out to God, and He gave them a great and glorious victory – and lots of plunder. They went home victorious and wealthy.
Yesterday I was talking to a woman at church who is facing overwhelming circumstances – a vast army is against her. We shared Scripture that encourages us to believe that God still promises great and glorious victories against the enemy. But as I read this account this morning, I realized a wonderful truth. God also wants us to come away with plunder. He wants us to gain things of great value from our battles – not sheep, or cattle, but things of eternal worth. He adds riches to our lives when we experience His victory – an increase in faith, a closer relationship with Him, a glimpse of His mighty power, a renewed sense of His love and care, and much more.
I’m so glad that the days of plundering aren’t over. The enemy is real, the battle often difficult, but God still gives victory. We may come home battle-worn and weary, but we can also come home with great wealth – the spiritual plunder that rightfully belongs to the victors.
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