READ:
DEUTERONOMY 20:5-9
In the law
God allowed certain categories of people to be exempted from going to war. They
were those who had yet to eat from the garden they had planted; those who had
just built a house, but had not moved in; those who had been betrothed in
marriage, and those who were afraid to join in the battle. God is the
Commander-in-Chief of the heavenly armies. He is a warrior. God wants his
children to be warriors like him. 2 Timothy 2:3 says we should endure hardness
as good soldiers of Christ. But why then would he exempt some people from war?
Firstly, God does not always depend on numbers. He may call many, but choose only a few. This was part of the reason why God reduced Gideon’s army from 132000 to 300. He does not want people to attribute their victories to themselves, their power or their superior numbers, which is exactly what might happen if God allows them to be victorious.
Another reason why God excuses some people, is because certain assignments can only be handled by those who are strong in faith. The presence of the fainthearted in such a forum will weaken the faith of the strong. In Matthew 9:18-26, before Jesus raised the daughter of the ruler back to life, he asked all the professional mourners who surrounded her to leave. On other occasions, he excused all the disciples, except Peter, James and John. Before you can accomplish significant things for the Lord, you must excuse doubt and fear, and anything that brings it about.
Another reason for reducing numbers is to test people. Gideon’s army went through several tests. Sometimes it is necessary to determine whether your soldiers are in the battle heart and soul, or whether they are merely present in the physical sense. In the last days in which we live, Jesus is gathering his army. To belong to this army, you must pass the tests that come your way. If you pass, you will become a mighty instrument in God’s hand. If you fail, you will be excused. I have made the choice to be part of God’s army for the battle that lies ahead. How about you?
Firstly, God does not always depend on numbers. He may call many, but choose only a few. This was part of the reason why God reduced Gideon’s army from 132000 to 300. He does not want people to attribute their victories to themselves, their power or their superior numbers, which is exactly what might happen if God allows them to be victorious.
Another reason why God excuses some people, is because certain assignments can only be handled by those who are strong in faith. The presence of the fainthearted in such a forum will weaken the faith of the strong. In Matthew 9:18-26, before Jesus raised the daughter of the ruler back to life, he asked all the professional mourners who surrounded her to leave. On other occasions, he excused all the disciples, except Peter, James and John. Before you can accomplish significant things for the Lord, you must excuse doubt and fear, and anything that brings it about.
Another reason for reducing numbers is to test people. Gideon’s army went through several tests. Sometimes it is necessary to determine whether your soldiers are in the battle heart and soul, or whether they are merely present in the physical sense. In the last days in which we live, Jesus is gathering his army. To belong to this army, you must pass the tests that come your way. If you pass, you will become a mighty instrument in God’s hand. If you fail, you will be excused. I have made the choice to be part of God’s army for the battle that lies ahead. How about you?
MEMORIZE:
PROVERB 24:10 –If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small.
