STRENGTH IN NUMBERS?

October 18, 2013

STRENGTH IN NUMBERS?

Deuteronomy 20:1-9

Travis Petticrew

Central Truth

Our enemies may appear mighty, but God is not intimidated. He is the One who fights for us, and we can trust that He will be victorious. He uses such battles to show us that He is sovereign.

"[F]or the LORD your God is the one who goes with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you." (Deuteronomy 20:4)

Laws Concerning Warfare

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.’ 5 Then the officers shall speak to the people, saying, ‘Is there any man who has built a new house and has not dedicated it? Let him go back to his house, lest he die in the battle and another man dedicate it. 6 And is there any man who has planted a vineyard and has not enjoyed its fruit? Let him go back to his house, lest he die in the battle and another man enjoy its fruit. 7 And is there any man who has betrothed a wife and has not taken her? Let him go back to his house, lest he die in the battle and another man take her.’ 8 And the officers shall speak further to the people, and say, ‘Is there any man who is fearful and fainthearted? Let him go back to his house, lest he make the heart of his fellows melt like his own.’ 9 And when the officers have finished speaking to the people, then commanders shall be appointed at the head of the people.

Imagine watching an enemy army from a distance. It has countless chariots, horses, and foot soldiers. They assemble in ranks and files and begin marching toward you. You look around at your fellow soldiers and realize you are outmanned and outgunned. As a general, would you then select men to be sent home and further thin your ranks? Why then does God command that of Israel?

I have a tendency to exaggerate my own necessity. At times I act as though the work of God around me would fall apart without me and my abilities. God definitely uses us and our unique gifts and talents for His purposes. Notice how He does not send all the men home and strike the foreign armies with lightning or plague (though He could). He chooses to use the soldiers to win the battle. Our part in the fight is not for God's benefit. He does not need our sword, but He lets us take part so that we can marvel at His power. For when we are keenly aware of our own weakness, we are not tempted to take the credit for ourselves because we can clearly see God at work. He lessens the army to show us that in our weakness His strength is made perfect (2 Corinthians 12:9).

So when your enemy is great, you have no need to fear; victory is not dependent on your strength. Trust God to show off His might through your weakness. May He choose to prune your defenses so that He can show His power by delivering victory regardless of your weakness.

1. Was there a time when God left you no other option but to trust Him?

2. When have you seen God's power shine through because of your weakness?

3. How have you set up defenses in your life so that you are not tempted to trust in yourself more than God?