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Circle the wagons...

I recently read a book by James Michener called "The Covenant" about South Africa. It seems that the Afrikaans people - mainly of Dutch decent - set out exploring the frontier in much the same way that the pioneers did in the American West. They came under attack from local tribes and when they did they would go into "laager" or defensive position. They did this by circling their wagons and lashing them together. Then they filled in the gaps both under and between the wagons with impenetrable mats of thorny vines. In these gaps they also positioned their strongest fighting men. In this way, the few people inside could marshal their resources, conserve food and energy, and defend themselves from a much larger and more aggressive attacking army.

The image above is wrong, by the way. The wagons are too far apart, allowing easy penetration into the interior. Also, notice the direction most men are facing - towards the fire. This is wrong because it obscures one's night vision. Further, they are too close to vegetation that could serve as cover for ambushing attackers. These attackers were as likely to be bands of renegade bandits as hostile Native Americans.

At any rate, the point is that the defensive position is strongest in this kind of formation. It give the attacker no easy avenue of approach while allowing a 360 degree view of any marauders to the defenders. The few inside are able to withstand attacks - sometimes for several days - by subsisting on the goods and provisions sequestered within the protective circle. When the attacks come, all inside are able to provide support to the fighting defenders.

While we are not currently literally "in laager," the time may come when our enemies are more numerous than we can handle. Currently the good of the world is allowing us some definite successes in the battle against sin and evil. There may come a time when a literal gathering of Israel is required - to the center place in Zion.

But there are families and individuals who are under attack. We need to help pull them into the protective circle that is the brotherhood of the Church. We need to circle the wagons (figuratively) around these people to ensure that they are cared for and protected against the onslaught of evil that is out there.


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