READING: Numbers 31-32
More than once in this year’s readings, we’ve already seen that God is our warrior. He’s the One who fights the battles for us — and when He fights, no one can defeat Him. That’s not to say, though, that we have no responsibility. Today’s reading about the tribes that remained on the east of the Jordan River makes that clear.
Moses finally agreed to allow the tribes to stay in that region, but only as long as they were willing to lead the other tribes into battle as they conquered their enemies in the Promised Land. Notice how Moses described their responsibility: “If you will do this—if you will arm yourselves before the Lord for battle and if all of you who are armed cross over the Jordan before the Lord until he has driven his enemies out before him — then when the land is subdued before the Lord, you may return and be free from your obligation to the Lord and to Israel. And this land will be your possession before the Lord” (Num 32:20-22).
These words are instructive to us.
- These tribes were to arm themselves for war, but it would be the Lord who gives victory.
- The soldiers were to fight, but God was their warrior.
- They were to put on their armor, but they would win only because God would subdue the enemies.
- They were to cross the river to engage the battle, but it was God who would drive out the opposition.
In the end, God alone would get the glory.
Our battles are no different. Sure, we are to put on the full armor of God, resist the devil, and do all for the glory of God. We have to make the decision to follow God and reject the enemy’s lures. We must be as fully equipped and trained for the war as we possibly can be — all the while knowing that any victory we secure comes only because God grants it. We live in that tension every day: preparing for the war and marching into battle, but relying fully on the power of God.
The enemy wins, at least temporarily, when we prepare for the war and march into the battle in our own strength. Crossing the line into self-dependence spells spiritual disaster.
ACTION STEPS: Consider these steps:
- Evaluate your life’s dependence on God. On a scale of 1-10 (with 1=“fully in my strength” and 10=“fully in God’s strength”), where do you live daily?
- Read Ephesians 6:10-17, and determine whether you’re wearing the full armor of God.
- Prepare for the battle today, but turn to God as your warrior every time you sense the enemy’s attack.
PRAYER: “God, I thank You again for being my warrior. Grant me grace to live rightly in the tension of being armed and trusting.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Numbers 33-34