34The Lord said to Moses, "Do not be afraid of him, for I have delivered him into your hands, along with his whole army and his land. Do to him what you did to Sihon king of the Amorites, who reigned in Heshbon."
35So they struck him down, together with his sons and his whole army, leaving them no survivors. And they took possession of his land.
- P69
One thing is clear from this narrative: Israel was not looking for a fightwhen they approached Amorite territory. However, the Lord their God hadsomething else in mind. Although Israel had wandered in the wilderness forforty years, these were not meaningless years. - P70
It was in the wilderness thatthe Lord taught His son, Israel, to trust Him, and the Lord raised from thisnew generation an army of fighting men. This was all necessary for Israelto enter the promised land. This testifies to the incredible wisdom of God.
- P70
The difficulties His people encounter, and even their own failures, cannotthwart His plans. His sovereignty reaches further than our frailties. Knowing this about our God, we as His children can rest assured in His promisethat all things indeed work for the good of those who love Him, those whohave been called according to His purpose (Rom. 8:28). - P70
Dear Jesus, thank you for being on our side in our battle against sin. - P71
Remindus that You are with us and we do not need to be afraid. Show us how toencourage each other. In Your name, amen. - P71
Israel camps in the plains of Moab. King Balak, fearing their strength, sendsmessengers to Balaam the diviner, asking him to curse Israel. God comes toBalaam and forbids him to go with the messengers. - P73
Despite Balak‘s repeatedoffers of reward, Balaam refuses to go because God has declared the Israelitesblessed. - P73
Fear and manipulation have been the go-to fraudulent formula from thebeginning. This is the basic tactic which Satan formulated against Adamand Eve. Satan impersonated God, acting as if he had Adam and Eve‘s bestinterest in mind, and he instilled in them the fear of missing out. We allknow the unfortunate end to this story.
- P75
The promises of God, however, are always characterized by securityand peace, for at the heart of God‘s promises is God Himself. Our soulsfind shelter in the fortress of His sovereignty, and we can declare with allthe saints, "Come what may, God is for me, who can be against me?" (SeeRom. 8:31). - P75
Not much has changed since then. The sinful world in rebellion againstGod is never satisfied with being in rebellion alone; it continues to enticemany with false promises of their best interest. But do not be fooled: alife that banks on the promises of the world is always marked by fear andanxiety. - P75
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