Preparing for Battles

O. T. #408  "Preparing for Battles"
November 14, 2014
Deuteronomy 20
For the LORD your God is he that goeth with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.   Deuteronomy 20:4

LET IT GLOW

Battles will come, that is for certain. It may come at work, at home, in the car, in the store. How do we get ready for a spiritual battle today? Is God with us, fighting for us? Are we prepared properly? I find that I fail when I fail to prepare. I can't live this Christian life on my own, so I must yield to Jesus before going out into the world to do battle. Even before I answer the phone early in the morning, I must have the Spirit leading me. Israel was told how to prepare for their battles so they could conquer their Promised Land. Will you read on with me?

This second generation of Israelites had seen and experienced some battles before they came to camp at the edge of the Jordan River.
These victories included:

• Amalek at Rephidim (Ex. 17:8-16),
• Amalek and Canaanites at Hormah (Num. 14:45),
• Arad at Hormah (Num. 21:1-3),
• Amorites at Jahaz (Num 21:21-15),
• Bashan at Edrei (Num. 21:33-35),
• Midian (Num. 31:1-12).

As the old saying, seeing is believing, is important. Who doesn't need encouragement, especially the military, who can grow weary in the fighting in the battles?
What were Moses' encouraging instructions?

• Even when it looks like the enemy has more horses, chariots, and people than they had, do not be afraid of them, for the LORD thy God is with thee. Remember He brought you out of Egypt. (verse 1)
• Trust in the Lord; He gives victory.
• Their priests were to give an exhortation before each battle. They were serving as chaplains to men facing death. (verse 2)
• They were to say, "Let not your hearts faint, fear not, and do not tremble, neither be ye terrified because of them." (verse 3) (Liberty Bible Commentary)

Victory by Israel was dependent upon their obedience to God. (Even down to the instruction of not cutting down fruit trees.)

The role of the priests was to encourage the soldiers by God's promise, presence, and power to be strong in faith. A lack of trust in God's ability to fight for them would affect the strength of their will so that they would become fainthearted. Victory was linked to their faith in God.  (MacArthur)


Later one, David challenged the Philistine champion, only nine foot and nine inches tall, giant Goliath as he cursed David by his gods. Mockery and fierceness of one giant did not shake David's confidence and faith in His God. We read how that turned out in 1 Samuel 17, with David killing the giant, armed with only 5 smooth stones and a sling shot.

Do we have that kind of faith as we fight spiritual battles in our life? Who do we trust in when we have financial problems, marital issues, shaky job situations, children going astray? Will we cower down or ask God for Him to give the victory?

LET IT GROW

The officers' duties included keeping geological tables, appointing men to battle, and releasing others from battle.
There were four exemptions of men  serving in Israel's volunteer army, excusing them from battle:

1. If any man built a new house and had not lived in it yet;
2. If any man had planted a new vineyard and not eaten of its fruit (harvested);
3. If a man was engaged and not yet married;
4. If any man was fearful and cowardly, since he would discourage the other soldiers. (Falwell)

After the officers had eliminated those who should not go into battle, their duty was to appoint captains to lead the troops. (verse 9)

Of course, the men needed to be fully committed to fighting for their land and nation and not be distracted by those things listed above.

What distracts us from reading God's Word and praying in the morning before we start our daily chores or work? Does our duties of our house, job, marriage? Are we prepared for a spiritual battle today or are we fearful? Will we run away from the fight for the right or stand firm in our faith?
Ephesians 6 tells us to put on the whole armor of God so we can stand against the ways of the devil.
Are we suited up for a spiritual battle today? We need salvation, righteousness, truth, peace, faith, and the sword of the Spirit, His Word.
God can give victory to us as He did to Israel.
Hang in there dear ones.

Ann Voskamp says, "Be a prayer warrior, not a panicked warrior."
such good advice.

LET IT GO

Keep God as my number one priority, serving Him daily.

Study His Word, growing in faith and obedience of my Lord Jesus Christ.

Be alert to the need to take a stand for Jesus against sin.

Allow God to give the victory when I am told to not fight.

Give God the glory for the victories.

Daily put on the armor of God.

*Thank you for praying for our mission team this week. Many were saved while they were in the Dominican Republic. Today they fly home, so please say a prayer of safety and strong health. I'll have more details next week, since I do not have any yet. Have a great weekend, ya'll.