READING FOR NOVEMBER 29, 2024: DEUTERONOMY 20, 2024, 2 JOHN, PSALM 119:105-112 DEUTERONOMY 20 Moses conveys God’s guidelines for how Israel should conduct warfare. Perhaps it’s significant that these guidelines are for battling enemies. This may mean Israel should only battle other nations who are truly enemies, such as those opposing God’s expressed plan for Israel. St. Augustine developed rationale for going to war that is known today as the “Just War Theory.” The United States signed the charter of the United Nations that gives definite indicators for when war might be appropriate. Perhaps not coincidently, when we went to war in violation of that agreement, it did not go well for us.
When war was necessary, Israel, as God’s chosen people, not only needed not to be afraid if the enemy appeared more powerful, but they would be disobedient if they were afraid. God is not the great equalizer; He is the decisive factor. Paul suggests that Christians are engaged in war against powerful enemies today: “Our fight is not against people on earth. We are fighting against the rulers and authorities and the powers of this world’s darkness. We are fighting against the spiritual powers of evil in the heavenly places” (Eph. 6:12). Should we be afraid if we are fighting the Lord’s battles?
Back to Deuteronomy. The first step in battle was for the priest to remind the soldiers who they were, related to the undefeated and unbeatable God. In the same way, remember who we are in Christ: “We are more than conquerors through him who loved us” (Rom. 8:37). Then the Levite leaders were to check to see if there were good reasons for certain men not to go to battle. These included factors that were important for family structures: newly built but undedicated houses, newly planted vineyards, and the betrothed to be married. Another reason was being afraid, because this fear could spread like a virus to the other soldiers. If we are afraid to serve God, be sure we don’t infect others with our irrational and ungodly fear.
Then Moses explains the details of waging war. First, for enemies located far away, the enemy should have an opportunity to avoid violence by agreeing to servitude. If that offer is refused, then Israel should lay siege. When the time comes to attack, all the men in the besieged city should be killed but women, children, and animals taken for the nation’s purposes. Enemies who are nearby must be destroyed completely, so that their sinful ways don’t spread.
Moses cautions them not to needlessly damage the environment. Fruit trees should not be cut down. They can provide food for Israel. Only non-fruit trees can be cut down and only for the purpose of building needed siegeworks. Interestingly the text clearly differentiates between humans and trees, which counters pantheistic or pagan beliefs. All religions are not alike.
2 JOHN This letter is usually associated with the Apostle John, the son of Zebedee; however, it only says it is from the Elder. Interestingly there is a possible Jewish elder named John
READING FOR NOVEMBER 29, 2024 CONTINUED: 2 JOHN, PSALM 119:105-112 mentioned in Acts 4:5-6: “Rulers and elders and scribes were gathered together in Jerusalem; and Annas the high priest was there, and Caiaphas, John, and Alexander.” This person might also be the unidentified disciple of Jesus mentioned in John 18:15: Simon Peter was following Jesus, and so was another disciple. Now that disciple was known to the high priest, and he entered with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest.” This is not a big deal, though.
Also indefinite is the recipient of the letter. It states that it is written to a Christian lady and her children whom everyone knows and loves. It is possible her name is not mentioned to protect her identity during this period of persecution. Whoever it is, John says they all will experience God’s grace, mercy, and peace due to the truth and love of God. Truth and love are qualities that are often paired in the Bible. We must seek both of them (Eph. 4:15).
John finds joy that some of the lady’s children are walking with the Lord. We, too, should be joyful for any of our children who walk with the Lord, while still praying for any who don’t. In fact, John says God commands that we do so. John then reminds the lady of one of the original commands: to love each other. Then he defines loving each other in a surprising way: obeying God’s commandments (vs. 6). Notice how this differs from a view by a progressive Christian: “Where the Bible supports Love, I follow it. Where it conflicts with Love, as I understand it, I reject it.” Verses 7-11 confirm that love does not mean accepting any belief or lifestyle.
PSALM 119:105-112 Verse 105 is the most famous verse in this longest chapter of the Bible. Can we honestly say with the Psalmist that God’s word directs our lives or do live like it is out of date or irrelevant to what actually matters to us? It sometimes seems one hears more fear about being thought of as a Bible thumper than not being led by God’s word. Some of the most accomplished individuals in every field of endeavor have been and continue to be directed by God’s word. Don’t be ashamed of it. After the Psalmist affirms its value, he commits to obeying it in the future. Notice this doesn’t mean he doesn’t experience great hardships. Just the opposite. Those who promise a trouble-free life for Christians, haven’t studied the Bible well. The Psalmist, however, does turn to God’s promises in his pain for what he calls “reviving.” This could mean keeping him alive. This kind of plea, too, is a key benefit of God’s word that all of us can utilize. The Psalmist then suggests that what we say to God can be a legitimate offering to Him. The writer of the Hebrews also takes up this theme: “Let’s continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips praising His name” (Heb 13:15). Verses 109-110 both express the seeming irony of being in great distress yet completely obedient. Ever been there? The solution, according to the Psalmist, is to make the Bible our joy and commit to obeying it to the end.
