Battles To Be Won

The LORD your God will soon bring you into the land he swore to give you when he made a vow to your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It is a land with large, prosperous cities that you did not build. The houses will be richly stocked with goods you did not produce. You will draw water from cisterns you did not dig, and you will eat from vineyards and olive trees you did not plant. [Deuteronomy 6.10-11a]

There certainly is a "rest" for God's people - those who pursue and follow Him.

However, along with this rest - this abundance - this provision that was not "worked for", there IS a responsibility. That responsibility is warfare - in our text, it was to mercilessly "conquer" those lands and possessions.

You will drive out all the enemies living in the land, just as the LORD said you would. [Deuteronomy 6.19]

While there was no work involved in building cities, planting and harvesting crops, or acquiring great possessions, there was, in fact, something to be done! That "something" was warfare.

How does this apply to us today as modern time followers of God?

It would seem there is great application for us today in seeking first God's Kingdom instead of food and clothing and stuff! We can rest in the fact that we will be provided for! However, there remains a war to be engaged in - a battle to be fought.

This is where the Apostle Paul's words describing our lives as being engaged in warfare apply:

For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. [Ephesians 6.12]

Yes, we have rest in Christ. We have provision, health, everything we need - but there remain many battles to be fought.

It is interesting that God was specific in explaining that Israel would not conquer all the land at once, but that it would be gradual: 

The LORD your God will drive those nations out ahead of you little by little. You will not clear them away all at once, otherwise the wild animals would multiply too quickly for you. [Deuteronomy 7.22]

Based on this scripture, I think it is reasonable for us to understand that our battles will be ongoing.

But, let me just say this - if we are not seeing victory (albeit gradual) then we better do a check-up of our spiritual condition!

The Kingdom picture drawn here is amazing. As ambassadors of Christ in the earth today, we face many struggles - many battles. However, we are told that our needs are met and that we are to focus first and foremost on the Kingdom.

Father, it is encouraging to know that You have given us every provision. It is sobering to know that many battles lie ahead - however - I am furthermore encouraged that You have said You would be my Strength and my Shield!