SLAVES NOT YET READY FOR WAR!

SLAVES NOT YET READY FOR WAR!

When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near. For God said, "Lest the people change their minds when they see war and return to Egypt." But God led the people around by the way of the wilderness toward the Red Sea. And the people of Israel went up out of the land of Egypt equipped for battle... And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead them along the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night. The pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night did not depart from before the people. (Exodus 13:17, 18, 21, 22 ESV)

God knows our abilities and mental state of mind. God knows that newly delivered slaves are not prepared to be a mighty army. God led His people away from the Philistines because He knew that they lacked the mental toughness and preparation to do battle against a nation that would later become their arch-enemies. Though they went up "equipped for battle", it was mostly for show. They were brandishing swords and spears but could only handle trowels and slave implements. They marched like roosters, but were chickens at heart. God knew this about them and it was ok. It was the season of a pillar of cloud and fire to protect, guide and cover. God let them wear the armor so they could get used to it's weight and feel, though they were not yet ready to actually use it in battle. Like George Washington and the Continetal Army at Valley Forge, God had a place called the Wilderness to form a warriors heart within them.

Have you recently been delivered out of a life of spiritual slavery? Do you want to venture out into the enemy's territory and set captives free? Don't be surprised if God keeps you out of the heat of the battle for awhile and guides your life through some wilderness training. He wants you to become comfortable with your new armor and weaponry. God wants you to become confident in your new identity as a Son or Daughter of His! He wants you to be free from a slave's mentality so you can wage a good warfare for His Kingdom. Unfortunately, as we know, this particular generation with Moses could never cast off their yoke of slavery. However, their sons and daughters would march into the Promise Land and possess it. They would be led by a mighty warrior named Joshua who had encountered "The Captain of the Host of the Lord's Armies"!