18-Sep-2024 – God wants to fight your battles
When the host goes forth against your enemies, then keep yourself from every wicked thing — Deuteronomy 23:9.
In this verse, God gives instruction for a scenario where the Israelites need to go to war against their enemies. He suggests that they should refrain from any wicked activity when facing their foes.
If we observe the life of the Israelites from the beginning, we see that they were continuously engaged in various conflicts. There was always some enemy wanting to rule over them, keep them as slaves, or completely wipe them out. The Israelites often fought their battles without alliances, because the LORD God was doing their fighting for them.
The LORD shall fight for you, and you shall hold your peace — Exodus 14:14.
Understanding this context of God fighting battles for the Israelites, we see that when there is conflict with an enemy leading to war, the LORD makes Himself available to lead them. At this time, the Israelites must sanctify themselves, because God cannot dwell where there is wickedness. In other words, if there is wickedness and sin, God cannot ignore it and continue fighting for them.
The nature of God is twofold: He is both a righteous judge and a loving, kindhearted Father. As a righteous judge, He cannot condone wrongdoing. As a loving Father, He provides opportunities for us to set ourselves right, either by following the instructions given in His Word or through personal revelations from prophetic ministry.
God instructs the Israelites to refrain from participating in any wicked acts, sinful activities, or unclean behaviors that defile them. When there is uncleanness, God cannot show favor; that uncleanness must be dealt with. In a time of war, due to wickedness, rather than fighting for us, God, as the righteous judge, would have to fight against us.
But what if there is no war? If there is no immediate danger, does that mean we can engage in wicked works? God forbid. He does not say that when you’re not facing war, you can indulge in wickedness. Even in the absence of conflict, we are called to holiness. While you may not be in danger of losing your life, you should always strive to live righteously.
Whether you are facing battles or not, you are called to remain holy. For those of us who are New Testament believers in Jesus Christ, we are redeemed from our old nature and given a new nature through Him.
Moreover, our battles are not against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers of this world. Therefore, we are always in a spiritual battle. Not only are we redeemed, but we are also sanctified and set apart for the glory of God. Keeping ourselves aligned with the covenant is essential. Today, God offers us a way.
In critical phases of life, if you wish to cross through successfully, the only way is to repent, confess, and set things right with God. By doing so, you align yourself with His will, and God fights your battles and opens the way to victory.
Prayer
Dear loving heavenly Father, thank You for Your love and grace. Thank You for reminding us today to keep ourselves away from all wickedness, particularly during critical phases of life. Help us understand that in every situation, we must obey Your commandments and maintain our holiness and sanctification. I pray in the name of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen!
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