She knew something was wrong when she heard her five-year-old’s ear-piercing screams. Outside she discovered a mountain lion attacking him. I can’t even begin to imagine how this poor woman must have felt. But there was no time to panic—the mother “charged the animal”! Smacking away the lion’s paws, she even “reached into the animal’s mouth and wrested her son’s head from its jaws”.
In the scariest of moments, this young boy needed his mum to fight for him. Sometimes that’s exactly what we need from our heavenly Father too. As God’s people approached the Promised Land, Moses began preparing them. They didn’t need to be afraid of terrifying enemies, he told them, for “the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you” (Deuteronomy 20:4). Because danger lay ahead, they needed to know that their God was a fighter.
It is good to know God’s constant compassion and care, but when it comes to real danger, it is deeply reassuring to be reminded that the Lord who fights for His people “will be with you” (v. 1).
Life is dangerous. It’s hard. Today we might feel caught in the enemy’s mouth as, like a roaring lion, he seeks to devour us (1 Peter 5:8). But God calls you His precious child. You are worth fighting, even dying, for (Romans 5:6-8). Call out to Him, for He still fights for His people.
By Chris Wale
REFLECT & PRAY
When have you experienced God fighting for you? What reassurance do these verses give you for the challenges you face today?
Heavenly Father, thank You for fighting for me. I am never forsaken or alone. Even when I can’t see what You are doing, help me to believe that You will bring me through every battle.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Deuteronomy is the final book in the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Old Testament known as the Torah. These books were written by Moses, except for the final section of Deuteronomy (34:5–11), which was written by an unnamed author. In Deuteronomy, Moses gives three speeches to the new generation of Israelites preparing to enter the promised land. They’re now in the plains of Moab (on the western boundary of Canaan) at the end of forty years in the wilderness. He reminds them of what God has done, reviewing the wonders He performed to liberate them from slavery and restating His laws and covenant given to them on Mount Sinai. The people are encouraged to rededicate their lives to Him. Today’s text comes from the second speech ( 4:44–11:32), which includes covenant requirements on the people’s part. Why should they obey? The mighty “God of gods and Lord of lords” loves them (10:17).
Alyson Kieda
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