When We Go to Battle

"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

This chapter opens with the phrase, "When you go out to battle". It doesn't say "If you go" because war is an inevitable thing. At this point Israel was moving to conquer the land, so so there was need to go on the offensive. As seen before the inhabitants are strong, and their cities are well fortified, but they are not to be afraid of their enemies. God is with them. The same God who brought them out of Egypt by His power is going with them to fight against their enemies.

Today we still live in a world at war. There are those who engage in physical battles for the defense of their countries, but all of us engage in spiritual battles every day whether we know it or not. There is a war going on for the souls of humanity, and we are called to play a part in the battles. And when we go to battle we are not to be afraid because God is going with us.

In our battle for souls Jesus instructed us how to fight, "Go and make disciples, baptize them, and teach them to obey everything that I have commanded you." His commands come with a promise, "As you do, I will be with you always, to the very end of the age." God is with us as we fight for Him. We are not to be afraid of our enemy because God is mightier.

Men, are you going out to battle? Do you realize that we are in a world at war, or do you deny that fact? When you do go out to fight what is your attitude? Do you shrink back in fear, or do you boldly follow God as He leads the charge?

Let us advance following God's leading. Let us not fear our enemy, or deny that there are battles to fight. Let us trust God's mighty power to bring victory, and let us add our shield to the phalanx of His army.

"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."

To God alone be the Glory!

Strength and Honor