The Israelites were dressed for fighting when they left
the land of Egypt (NCV, Exodus
13:18).
This verse sounds like the Hebrews marched out of Egypt with
their shoulders back and their chests puffed out – a conquering army – but the
truth is in the context. The previous verse reads: When Pharaoh let the
people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country,
though that was shorter. For God said, “If they face war, they might change
their minds and return to Egypt” (v.
17).
The people were dressed for battle, but they were still
thinking like slaves. They may have looked the part of conquerors, but inside
their tails were tucked between their legs and they just weren’t ready to
fight. It takes more than wearing a uniform to be a soldier.
Or maybe the descendants of Jacob were feeling a little too cocky, pockets jingling with their
neighbors’ gold, and leaving behind the dazed Egyptians reeling from God’s
one-two plague punch. Maybe they were itching for a fight above their weight
class. Were their egos writing checks their bodies couldn’t cash? God knew that
if they tasted battle too soon, they would lose heart, turn tail and run back
to Egypt.
Sometimes God sends us into the battle; and other times God
knows the better part of valor is in living to fight another day. Either way,
to be sure, the battles will come.
TODAY’S MEDITATION
Are you prepared for
battle? If not, how could you get ready? Pray through Ephesians 6:10-18.
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