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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:

God, thank you for your guidance and your presence.  I don’t need to be afraid for if God is for us, who can be against us?（Rm 8:31）