The Daily Fountain Daily Devotional of the Church Of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) 9 March 2020 – TOPIC: TEACHING US TO WAR

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DATE: MONDAY, MARCH 09, 2020
TOPIC: TEACHING US TO WAR
READ: JUDGES 3:1-6 (NKJV)

1. Now these [are] the nations which the LORD left, that He might test Israel by them, [that is,] all who had not known any of the wars in Canaan
2. ([this was] only so that the generations of the children of Israel might be taught to know war, at least those who had not formerly known it),
3. [namely,] five lords of the Philistines, all the Canaanites, the Sidonians, and the Hivites who dwelt in Mount Lebanon, from Mount Baal Hermon to the entrance of Hamath.
4. And they were [left, that He might] test Israel by them, to know whether they would obey the commandments of the LORD, which He had commanded their fathers by the hand of Moses.
5. Thus the children of Israel dwelt among the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites.
6. And they took their daughters to be their wives, and gave their daughters to their sons; and they served their gods.

THE MESSAGE:

The Lord left some nations around and among the Israelites in order to teach the new generation who never knew war to learn how to fight. Another reason was to test their obedience to His commands one of which was to avoid inter-marriage. Unfortunately, the people were already engaged in such marriages(verse 6). God had already promised them the land of Canaan and their environments but they had to fight to possess it and with God on their side, victory was always assured.

Life is full of war situations- we face battles of life on a daily basis. Jesus stated in Mark 3:27 that ‘no man can enter into a strong man’s house, and spoil his goods, except he will first bind the strong man; and then he will spoil his house.’ We must fight spiritual battles to obtain whatever we need. Each one needs training and preparation to be able to overcome. Many persons get consumed in the cross-fire, reason being that they had not been trained for war. Those who are experienced should train and guide the inexperienced. Nothing of worth comes easy. We must first start the fight on our knees and while we fight,we need to follow God’s instructions and commandments. Are you shying away from war or are you afraid of war? Look up to the Lord – the Man of War today (Exodus 15: 3).

PRAYER: Oh Lord, may You teach Your people to war so that victory will be assured.