H. C. Anstey.
Christian Friend vol. 19, 1892, p. 244.
What is the difference between the fighting in the wilderness and the fighting in Canaan as applied to us?
In the wilderness I say I am going on to rest, to Canaan, or to occupy heavenly ground. Here I have to meet Amalek and Balaam, who seek to stop me in my pilgrim course, the one by active opposition, the other by seduction.
In Canaan I say that I "am come" (Deut. 26:3) into the blessing, and I take the ground and character (the armour) of a heavenly man on earth. Then I have to meet all the power of the devil, who will contest this matter with me. I have to meet his wiles or his darts; but then it is as "strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might." It is not a question of my ability to meet the enemy. The conflict in heavenly places (which we should know now) is between Christ and Satan. I am there for Christ. In the wilderness the struggle is with Satan using the flesh, in the land the flesh is ignored. It does not cross Jordan. H. C. A.