March 13, 2006 - Deuteronomy 20-22 and mark 13:21-37
The spiritual principles in these two passages should be very encouraging to all of us. There are so many ways God could speak to us through these passages. I know He has just the message you and I need today.
How about Deuteronomy 20? God tells the Israelites not to fear their enemies, because He will be fighting for them. God loves His children, and when He sends them into battle, they never go alone. He always gives them the strength to win. Do you know that strength, today? I hope you do. Then, it was even more encouraging to me to see how God told them to send a lot of soldiers home, who had special circumstances. When God is fighting for you, it is not the number of men that counts. It is obedience that matters. God can win any battle with only a few soldiers, if He needs to. Just think of David and Goliath.
Chapter 21 shows us God's concern for the shedding of innocent blood, again. However, the main point is to respect other people. Even an enemy was to be treated with respect. The first born child must be respected. However, the rebellious son is a different story. This is a sin problem, and God hates sin. He wants us to have respect for people and to care for others, but He does not want us to allow sin to spread through our families and our society.
Chapter 22 tells us of two instances where a man could not divorce his wife for any reason. Isn't that showing us God's heart. He hates divorce. He never wants to see a divorce. However, He is very dogmatic when it comes to trying to get out of a marriage. In both of these cases the man could try to get out of being married, and God says, "No, you must stay married forever." Why does God say this? He is trying to show us that marriage is so important. It is not to be trivialized in any way.
Mark 13 finishes the section on the Second Coming of Christ. Are you watching? Are you ready for Him to come? That is the main thing. If we see any of these signs happening, it should cause us to redouble our efforts to be His faithful witnesses to a lost world. He will save us in the end, but they have no hope without Jesus.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Deuteronomy 23-25 and Mark 14:1-26.
How about Deuteronomy 20? God tells the Israelites not to fear their enemies, because He will be fighting for them. God loves His children, and when He sends them into battle, they never go alone. He always gives them the strength to win. Do you know that strength, today? I hope you do. Then, it was even more encouraging to me to see how God told them to send a lot of soldiers home, who had special circumstances. When God is fighting for you, it is not the number of men that counts. It is obedience that matters. God can win any battle with only a few soldiers, if He needs to. Just think of David and Goliath.
Chapter 21 shows us God's concern for the shedding of innocent blood, again. However, the main point is to respect other people. Even an enemy was to be treated with respect. The first born child must be respected. However, the rebellious son is a different story. This is a sin problem, and God hates sin. He wants us to have respect for people and to care for others, but He does not want us to allow sin to spread through our families and our society.
Chapter 22 tells us of two instances where a man could not divorce his wife for any reason. Isn't that showing us God's heart. He hates divorce. He never wants to see a divorce. However, He is very dogmatic when it comes to trying to get out of a marriage. In both of these cases the man could try to get out of being married, and God says, "No, you must stay married forever." Why does God say this? He is trying to show us that marriage is so important. It is not to be trivialized in any way.
Mark 13 finishes the section on the Second Coming of Christ. Are you watching? Are you ready for Him to come? That is the main thing. If we see any of these signs happening, it should cause us to redouble our efforts to be His faithful witnesses to a lost world. He will save us in the end, but they have no hope without Jesus.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Deuteronomy 23-25 and Mark 14:1-26.