Deuteronomy 20:1-20

War is a terrible thing that is only necessary because of the sin cursed world in which we live.  If man had never disobeyed the command of God; man would have never known the horrors of war.  However, as a result of sin, God had historically used war, as a means of bringing about His will in the nations of the world.  He establishes kingdoms and tears them down through wars.  He also uses war to punish nations who have been rebellious against His commandments.  The children of Israel were about to face many years of war as they entered the Promised Land.  God gave them clear instructions as to how they were supposed to go about the process of conquering other nations.  Here are a few of the principles God established and some ways that we can apply these principles in our own lives today.

WE MUST BE CONFIDENT IN GOD’S POWER: God told the children of Israel that they would be facing nations in war that were far greater in number and with better equipment.  However, this seeming disadvantage was not to be a cause for fear because God had promised to be with them, empower them and to go before them in battle.  No matter how uneven the odds; with God on their side they could be confident and simply trust Him.  We all face circumstances that seem to be far out of our control.  It is easy for us to become fearful and worry about these situations and forget about the fact that our God is in control.  God wants us to learn to rest in His strength, trust in Him and know that He will accomplish His will in our lives and the world no matter how difficult the circumstances may seem to us.  As God’s people, our lives should be marked by confidence in God’s power not worry and fear over circumstances.

WE MUST BE CONSIDERATE OF GOD’S PEOPLE: There were certain people who were to be excused from the war.  Those who had recently built a house, planted a vineyard or become engaged to be married were not be go into battle so that they could care for their families at a key time in their lives.  There was also to be consideration of those who had great fear as they could end up having an adverse effect on the rest of the people.  God treats all of us as individuals and knows our situation in life.  He has promised not to try us above our abilities and will always provide a way of escape according to His will.  There are principles that He requires all of us follow.  However, He does recognize our unique situations, is considerate of them and expects us to grant that same consideration to one another.  There are times where we must be considerate of one another and not try to force everyone into the same mold.

WE MUST BE COMPASSIONATE IN GOD’S PEACE: When the children of Israel were at war with a city, they were not to simply go in and destroy the place and the people but they were to first offer them the opportunity to surrender.  If they surrendered they were to allow them to live and use them as servants.  If they did not surrender, then only the male adults were to be killed while the women and children were to be left alive.  God’s character is one of peace and He would desire that all men live in peace with Him and one another.  However, in the face of a sinful world; war becomes necessary.  But even in the face of war, God shows compassion on those who will fear Him and submit to His rule.

WE MUST BE CONSECRATED FOR GOD’S PURPOSE: There were some nations that were in the Promised Land that God had determined to remove from the face of the earth.  Their sin was so great and their unwillingness to repent so strong that God had determined to destroy them all.  His judgment is always right and He knew that these nations would be used by Satan to lead the children of Israel into idolatry.  God was greatly concerned about the purity of His people and wanted them to be fully consecrated to Him.  Idolatry is a very dangerous thing because it has a tendency to be contagious.  We must take every step in our own lives to remain separated from the sinful influence of the world in which we live.  God wants us to be holy and take radical steps in our lives in order that we might live holy lives before Him.

WE MUST BE CONSERVATIONISTS OF GOD’S PROVISION: As the children of Israel went into the Promised Land they were not to destroy the trees that produced fruit.  God would use these trees for the provision of the people so they should be careful with that provision.  Only non-productive trees were to be used for building the instruments of war.  God has mad provision for all of us in this world through the natural resources on the planet.  God expects us to be good stewards of this provision in our lives.  We are called to administrate and care for the world in which we live.  We must be careful not to worship nature but we are to care for it as a wonderful gift from God.