Reflections

Today I was reading in the Old Testament when Israel was being led to claim their inheritance.  I know most of us do not spend a lot of time reading the fine print of Deuteronomy, but let me give you something today.
For a few minutes I set aside my Biblical studies and all the higher criticism, redactive criticism and historical criticism I learned in seminary.  For most people, when we read the Bible we just read the Bible.  So, in violation of much I have been taught, I want to take a few ideas from an ancient setting and amazingly find them speaking to me at this very moment.
This is in Deuteronomy 20:1-4.  God is encouraging the people as they head off to war.  The first note: we are in a "war" against an invisible enemy.  It is a virus.  Can't see it, feel, or smell it, but we know it is there.  Frankly, the unknown is what scares us most.
Israel was heading out not knowing exactly what was over the next hill.
God acknowledges that they will find themselves up against something that seems larger than life.  Their numbers are bigger than yours. 
But, don't be afraid.  (Anyone need that reminder as you get up this morning?)
Don't be afraid BECAUSE the Lord God is with you.  (Anyone need that reminder as you get up this morning?)
That reminder was huge since God was also reminding them that He had been with them before - Exodus from Egypt - that was a big deal.  The intent must have been that the people would go, Oh yes, I remember.  (Anyone need that reminder as you get up this morning?)
Drop down to verse 3, and God sends people off with this in mind and heart.  Don't be afraid; don't panic; don't be terrified.
Ok, that is easy to say.  As soon as I tell you not to be afraid, you get reminded that there is something to fear!  But there is a good reason for us to fear not.
Verse 4 gives us the reason we need not be afraid, panicked, or terrified.
"For the Lord you God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory."
Today, know this for real.  God goes with you.  (Anyone need that reminder as you get up this morning?)
God fights for you.  This is not some hopeless cause where we are just left twisting in the winds of fate.  This is a battle.  Keeps your wits about you!  Let faith rise within you.  The battle is truly for the Lord to win.  So when we come through this thing.  When a vaccination is discovered and made available.  When the virus simply goes dormant.  When a cure is found.  When medical people can rest.  When hospitals can get back to caring for the wide range of needs that exist.  When we go back to work.  When we gather socially.  When we fill the churches for worship.  When we discover our new normal and find life going forward. 
Then we will acknowledge that it is God who gives us these gifts of life.
God gives you victory.  Other translations say God saves us. 
(Anyone need that reminder as you get up this morning?)
This is the day the Lord has made.  We will rejoice and be glad in it.
steve