The beginning of chapter 20 speaks of Israel going to war against an enemy nation. When the soldiers of faith look upon the enemy and see horses, chariots, and multitudes of fighters they are not to lose heart because it is not their numbers or advanced weaponry that would win the battle. Scripture bears witness to the truth of these instructions throughout their history. They are battle instructions equally as true for the Christian today. But our battles are “not against flesh and blood” (Ephesians 6:12) but against a spiritual army. And there are many days when we may observe the actions of our enemy and determine that the battle is already lost. I will admit that there have been many days when I look at the culture in which I live and declare a defeat in one area or another. That is not the attitude to hold when living in this life. We may say with confidence that the war was won at Calvary and still question whether that defeated army, really it is a terrorist group, can be beaten in a post-war skirmish. To win the battle we must take the boldness of the instructions that Moses gave and stand firm. To surrender in the spiritual war means to conform. So if I stand true against the affronts of the culture the battle is won. Every time my society tells me to conform and I refuse by holding fast to God’s grace the battle is won. The battle ground may never change during our lifetime, but no one can take us from the high ground of God’s grace, forgiveness and strength.
It took me about 12 minutes to read this passage.
Stuart
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