Read: Deuteronomy 20
He shall say: “Hear, Israel: Today you are going into battle against your enemies. Do not be faint hearted or afraid; do not panic or be terrified by them. For the LORD your God is the one who goes with you to fight against your enemies to give you victory.” (Deuteronomy 20:3-4)
Reflect:
The LORD went with his people into battle because it was he who sent them into battle. The LORD had judged the nations and decided they were to be “completely destroyed” (20:7) because they were guilty of “detestable things” done as part of their worship of false gods.
The Israelites must have been very determined to never let themselves be likewise found guilty, yet the LORD still needed to warn them not to do as their enemies did.
I find it comforting to think that the LORD goes with me, as I head off on my first plane flight this evening. I am sure it was a comfort to Israel as well, to know that the LORD who sent them went with them to conquer.
I am reminded of Jesus’ words before he returned to heaven, “surely I am with you, even to the end of the age.” In place of his physical presence, Jesus imparted his Holy Spirit, so he would always be with his followers, conquering his enemies still.
crux:
The LORD goes with his people to conquer.
Respond: with
LORD God Almighty,
Thank you for the security and comfort of your presence with me. Thank you for always being with me, for promising never to leave me nor forsake me.
Please comfort me, Holy Spirit. You know I am unsteady and unsure because I have left Jeff and he kids behind at home and now am leaving Perth and Western Australia behind as well when I get on this plane.
Please bless me with your peace, the peace that comes from knowing your will shall be done and your kingdom come. Please help me to trust you with things I don’t understand (like how aeroplanes stay up in the air) and to rest in you, to hope in you, to love you.
Keep me safe LORD, whatever I face.
Amen.
crux: 