Growing up during the era of the Vietnam war, the sentiments of this unpopular war were expressed in war protests songs that implored, "War. What is it good for?" While the value of war is always up for debate, the reality of it is pervasive in human history. We seem to have great difficulty avoiding war.
The people of God are not isolated from the reality of war. Consider these "war directives":
"When you go out to battle against your enemies and see horses and chariots and people more numerous than you, do not be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, who brought you up from the land of Egypt, is with you. When you are approaching the battle, the priest shall come near and speak to the people. He shall say to them, 'Hear, O Israel, you are approaching the battle against your enemies today. Do not be fainthearted. Do not be afraid, or panic, or tremble before them, for the LORD your God is the one who goes with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.'" (Deuteronomy 20:1-4)
The Hebrews nation often found itself engaged in battle, and often this tiny nation faced much larger armies than theirs (even as it so often does today). But, as Moses reminded them, the LORD God was their warrior and source of victory.
The people of God today are not exempt from war. We are poignantly reminded that "our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places." (Ephesians 6:12). The wars we face are not of our choosing, but the ultimate result of the allegiance we choose. Love for God is ultimately hatred of the wicked world system.
We need not live our lives in fear or alarm. Confident calm can characterize us as we trust that "the LORD your God is the one who goes with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you." Emotional and even physical harm may befall us, but none can touch us spiritually as we fully trust our Father through His Son, our Lord Jesus.
Spiritual battles inevitably come our way, but ultimate victory is ours through Him who loves us. May we draw near to the One who brings victory, and to the encouraging company of His army of people.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2011
The people of God are not isolated from the reality of war. Consider these "war directives":
"When you go out to battle against your enemies and see horses and chariots and people more numerous than you, do not be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, who brought you up from the land of Egypt, is with you. When you are approaching the battle, the priest shall come near and speak to the people. He shall say to them, 'Hear, O Israel, you are approaching the battle against your enemies today. Do not be fainthearted. Do not be afraid, or panic, or tremble before them, for the LORD your God is the one who goes with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.'" (Deuteronomy 20:1-4)
The Hebrews nation often found itself engaged in battle, and often this tiny nation faced much larger armies than theirs (even as it so often does today). But, as Moses reminded them, the LORD God was their warrior and source of victory.
The people of God today are not exempt from war. We are poignantly reminded that "our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places." (Ephesians 6:12). The wars we face are not of our choosing, but the ultimate result of the allegiance we choose. Love for God is ultimately hatred of the wicked world system.
We need not live our lives in fear or alarm. Confident calm can characterize us as we trust that "the LORD your God is the one who goes with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you." Emotional and even physical harm may befall us, but none can touch us spiritually as we fully trust our Father through His Son, our Lord Jesus.
Spiritual battles inevitably come our way, but ultimate victory is ours through Him who loves us. May we draw near to the One who brings victory, and to the encouraging company of His army of people.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2011
posted by steve @ 8:06 AM
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