Lead Into Battle

Read Numbers 27:15-23, 32, and 34-35:8
 
Numbers 27:15-19 Then Moses said to the Lord, 16 “O Lord, you are the God who gives breath to all creatures. Please appoint a new man as leader for the community. 17 Give them someone who will guide them wherever they go and will lead them into battle, so the community of the Lord will not be like sheep without a shepherd.”18 The Lord replied, “Take Joshua son of Nun, who has the Spirit in him, and lay your hands on him. 19 Present him to Eleazar the priest before the whole community, and publicly commission him to lead the people.”
 
THIS week is a series of sermons from Moses as his life ends, and Israel’s new life will begin in the Promised Land. The LORD as a Commander, Father, and Shepherd has led Israel to the eastern bank of the Jordan River. Moses used his final days to remind Israel of who God is and who they are as God’s inheritance. He taught a new generation of Israel how to faithfully live in love with the Lord their God.
   Before Moses spoke, he prayed that God would choose one who will lead them into battle. Moses knew the first challenge in Canaan would be war. God said it would happen. The soldiers had been counted. Most nations in Canaan would not simply give their territory to Israel. Some did. But Israel needed to conquer. God often requires us to fight for what he has given us.
   It is unlikely any of us have prayed for a new pastor or new church leaders as ones who would lead us to into battle. But perhaps we should. The church needs leaders who are willing to enter the war Satan began in Eden. We stand down too often against a foe who is relentless to destroy us. Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your Christian brothers and sisters all over the world are going through the same kind of suffering you are. (1 Peter 5:8-9)
   Let’s know that our first order of business as a church each day is to conquer evil. We are to do so with a firm confidence God has anointed us to his purpose. When we understand El Shaddai is our strength, we know we will be victorious as God promised.
 
1 John 2:13-14 I am writing to you who are mature in the faith because you know Christ, who existed from the beginning. I am writing to you who are young in the faith because you have won your battle with the evil one. 14b I have written to you who are young in the faith because you are strong. God’s word lives in your hearts, and you have won your battle with the evil one.