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Deuteronomy 20 (ESV)

1 “When you go out to war against your enemies, and see horses and chariots and an army larger than your own, you shall not be afraid of them, for the Lord your God is with you, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt. 2 And when you draw near to the battle, the priest shall come forward and speak to the people 3 and shall say to them, ‘Hear, O Israel, today you are drawing near for battle against your enemies: let not your heart faint. Do not fear or panic or be in dread of them, 4 for the Lord your God is he who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies, to give you the victory.’

 

REFLECTION:

• When the Israelites were specifically commanded by God to go to war, they could be assured that God would go with them and secure the victory. They did not need superior weapons or vast numbers of troops.  Today, this principle still applies in the context of our battle against evil, which is characterized by idolatry in our lives.  We are charged to use the armor and weapons, spiritual weapons such as prayer, love, and faith, that God himself provides to us (Eph 6:10-20).
• How does v4 apply to me? Am I facing any enemies?  What battles am I fighting?  How does this passage help me in the battles?  What are things that serve as idols in my life?
• What about PGC? What battle is PGC facing right now?  How would this passage help members of PGC in the battle?  What is my role in the battle?

 

PRAYER:

Dear Heavenly Father, today’s scripture has given me such great comfort! I have many troubles and battles in this world, but I do not fear or tremble, because You are with me, giving me endless courage and strength. Who shall I fear? My enemy is the devil, but I know that my Lord Jesus Christ has already defeated him, bound him, and abolished his power. Through the precious blood of my Lord Jesus Christ, I am justified and have become Your child. However, until the final judgment arrives, the devil still reigns in this world, and my battle is not yet over. Heavenly Father, I want to rely on Your great power to be a strong person. I want to put on the full armor that You have given me, so that I can resist the enemy on the day of trouble. I want to stand firm, as taught by the apostle Paul, wearing the helmet of salvation, taking up the sword of the Spirit, which is Your word, and using truth as a belt around my waist, using righteousness as a breastplate to protect my heart, and having my feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. And, taking up the shield of faith, I can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Amen!

 

HYMN:

Lord You are Always Here with Me – youtu.be/5H6ZTYv4Lss