Courage > Fear
/
“When you go out to war against your enemies, and see horses and chariots and an army larger than your own, you shall not be afraid of them, for the Lord your God is with you, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt. 2 And when you draw near to the battle, the priest shall come forward and speak to the people 3 and shall say to them, ‘Hear, O Israel, today you are drawing near for battle against your enemies: let not your heart faint. Do not fear or panic or be in dread of them, 4 for the Lord your God is he who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies, to give you the victory.’ 5 Then the officers shall speak to the people, saying, ‘Is there any man who has built a new house and has not dedicated it? Let him go back to his house, lest he die in the battle and another man dedicate it. 6 And is there any man who has planted a vineyard and has not enjoyed its fruit? Let him go back to his house, lest he die in the battle and another man enjoy its fruit. 7 And is there any man who has betrothed a wife and has not taken her? Let him go back to his house, lest he die in the battle and another man take her.’ 8 And the officers shall speak further to the people, and say, ‘Is there any man who is fearful and fainthearted? Let him go back to his house, lest he make the heart of his fellows melt like his own.’
Deuteronomy 20:1-8
Funny how so often my Bible reading for the day is exactly what I needed. That happened this week when I read the verses above.
In the book of Deuteronomy, Moses is getting the people of Israel ready to enter the promised land. The time has almost come. They are on the threshold of something new after 40 years of wandering. And to prepare them, Moses gives them all kinds of instructions. Things like what to do once they’ve crossed the Jordan River, how to live once they get there, but also, instructions about the battle they are about to encounter.
Because, waiting for them on the other side of the Jordan is not just a land flowing with milk and honey, but also a fairly large contingent of enemies. (Who can blame them, really, for defending their land?) It’s not like the Israelites can just walk in and set up camp.
So, Moses prepares them for battle.
First, Moses tells the people that when they go to war, they will encounter “horses and chariots and an army larger than your own.” Guess what, Israelites—war is inevitable. He doesn’t say “if” you go to war, he says “when.” And Moses tells them that this enemy is going to be huge, greater than they are. Insurmountable, even.
God knew what the people of Israel were up against. And he also knew that their natural tendency would be to fear. Who wouldn’t?! So he gives them this command: “You shall not be afraid of them.” Put another way, God commands his people to courage.
Why?
Because God’s people, of all people, can look back and remember that God has been faithful to rescue them in the past, to save them from their enemies, and to lead them to a safe place. God has been with them through 40 years of wandering, and he’s not going to abandon them now.
*****
I just want to stop here for a second and process this in light of what’s going on in our world today. Coronavirus has become an enemy that we’re all fighting in our own ways. It feels huge and insurmountable. We’ve been inconvenienced. Our lives have come to a halt. What we’ve known and relied on, like schools and restaurants, have suddenly been closed for the foreseeable future. We’re on the brink of a new way of life, at least for a while.
And our natural tendency is to fear. God knows this about us, and I think that’s why he so often reminds us NOT to fear. I think he is also calling us, his people, to lead with courage. At a time like this, when we are faced with so much uncertainty, it must be the people of God who show resiliency, courage, and trust.
Why?
Because we, of all people, can look back on all that God has done for us in the past and hold fast to what he promises for our future. God is not a God of uncertainty or confusion. He is a God of clarity who is completely trustworthy. Remember that.
*****
OK. So there they are, the people of Israel, standing on the brink of their promised land, but also on the brink of a war they will have to face before they can enjoy the benefits of that land. It all seems overwhelming, I’m sure, so God tells Moses to have the priests talk to the people.
Here’s what the priests said: “Hear, O Israel, today you are drawing near for battle against your enemies: let not your heart faint. Do not fear or panic or be in dread of them, for the Lord your God is he who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies, to give you the victory.”
Another reminder that they should not fear, panic, or be in dread of what’s ahead of them. Why? Because the LORD goes with them, fighting for them, and giving them victory. God already knows what’s going to happen. Yes, they will have to fight with all they’ve got, but they will have victory over their enemies because he is with them.
Next, it’s time for the officers of the army to step up and speak, and I find their words so interesting. Rather than a “rah-rah-let’s-go-get-‘em” speech, God has the officers speak words of grace over the soldiers.
Built a new house? Go back and enjoy living in it.
Planted a vineyard? Go enjoy the fruits of your labor before anyone else does.
Newly married? Go spend time with your wife.
Isn’t that amazing? God actually releases these people to go back home. Such grace!
But why would he do that? I think it’s because the officers can afford to extend grace, not because their army was so vast (we already know they’re outnumbered), but because their God is so great. He has everything under control.
Finally, the officers address one more group of people: the fearful.
Here’s what it says: “Is there any man who is fearful or fainthearted? Let him go back to his house, lest he make the heart of his fellows melt like his own.”
This isn’t shaming—God already acknowledged that fear is natural in times like these. But God also knows that fear is contagious, and in times of crisis like the one that the Israelites were facing, he needs hearts that are steadfast and strong, not hearts that melt in fear. So, in order to stop the spread of fear, God tells them to go home too.
It’s OK. He’s got this.
*****
Earlier this week I gave into fear and started spreading it around. I was quickly admonished for my mistake, and I felt terrible, especially since I had already written one blog post against fear.
How quickly I melted and my heart fainted!
The next day, I kept the TV turned off. I listened to good music. I took a walk. I got about the business of my day and kept busy, intentionally distracting myself from discouragement and fear. That was a much better day.
Friends, I need to keep speaking Scripture to my own heart. I need courage, not fear. I need to keep reminding myself that God has been faithful in the past and will be faithful through this crisis and well into the future. This too shall pass; I believe it. And God will remain solidly on his throne, in complete control of his creation.
Take heart, friends. Have no fear. Be strong and courageous!
*****
Hey there! I’m spending most of my social media time over on Instagram. I’d love to have you follow me there!
