Standing Against The Anakites.

The Israelites have been in the desert for thirty-eight years. Moses is addressing the nation before they enter their long awaited ‘Promised Land’. He talks about the Anakites – local people who are bigger and stronger than they are.

He reminds them of a local saying: ‘Who can stand against the Anakites?’ (Deuteronomy 9:2)

Earlier this week I was cycling along, minding my own business, when, to my surprise, a car pulled out from a side-road, drove into me and knocked me to the ground. Fortunately I wasn’t injured, but I was reminded of forces that are bigger and stronger than me.

Standing against the Anakite of a car? I got knocked over.

There was a report about the England over-80s hockey team who claim to be the oldest team ever selected by a national body. Aged from 80 to 87, these passionate and spirited players gathered in Cambridge for a practice match ahead of their upcoming international game against the Netherlands in April.

Standing against the Anakite of age? They’re determined to keep going.

Yesterday we saw thousands of mourners, alongside heavy riot police, paying tribute to Alexei Navalny as he was buried in Moscow. As his coffin was removed from the hearse and taken inside the church, the crowd waiting outside broke into respectful applause and chanted: “Navalny! Navalny!” Some shouted, “You weren’t afraid, neither are we!”

Standing against the Anakite of a powerful nation?  They were brave and defiant.

Musing on the Anakites that my friends and family face – powers and forces that are bigger and stronger than us… cancer, dementia, fear, injustice, failure, loneliness, guilt, regret…

Moses’ answer was: ‘Be assured today that the Lord your God is the one who goes ahead of you…’ (Deuteronomy 9:3)

Standing against my Anakites? With that reassurance and encouragement, I can.