| Deuteronomy 9:1-10:22; Luke 8:4-21; Psalm 69:19-36; Proverbs 12:2-3
“When the Lord your God drives them out before you, do not say to yourself, ‘The Lord brought me in to take possession of this land because of my righteousness. Instead, the Lord will drive out these nations before you because of their wickedness. You are not going to take possession of their land because of your righteousness or your integrity. Instead, the Lord your God will drive out these nations before you because of their wickedness, in order to keep the promise He swore to your fathers Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” (Deuteronomy 9:4-5)
When some people read the Old Testament and see all of the wars and violence, they may think God is unfair, that He randomly allowed the Israelites to take over other people’s land. The scripture above proves God’s heart. While it is true that God made a covenant with the Israelites that contained specific promises and conditions, He would not go against a people group that were acting righteously. All of the nations the Lord commanded His people to annihilate were wicked. He allowed them to be cut off to prevent the spread of their culture. In other words, their abhorrent behavior brought on their demise.
Before we know the Lord and sometimes even after meeting Him, we can open a door that enables us to be defeated in areas of our lives. I call them cracks in the armor. If your armor is compromised, then you can be taken out. It’s important to do frequent “armor” or heart checks to ensure we are in line with our God.
More importantly, we need to know our God and the covenant we have. Be informed, grow, and protect your heart (for out of it flows the issues of life). If you can do these things then the enemy will not be able to infiltrate your protective barrier, your covenant with God. So, we see many times our victory, or favor, doesn’t have so much to do with how great we are but rather how great our God is. He is fair in all things and always honors His timeless agreement. We should never boast or feel superior. God really brings things into perspective.
PRAYER:
Lord, give me revelation into our covenant. Help me to walk right because I want to be pleasing in Your sight. Also, help me to stay humble by reminding me that I am no better than anyone else apart from the righteousness I have gained through knowing and receiving You. In the name of Jesus I pray, amen. |
