Deuteronomy 20:8–9: “The officers shall speak further to the people, and say, ‘What man is there who is fearful and fainthearted? Let him go and return to his house, lest the heart of his brethren faint like his heart.’ And so it shall be, when the officers have finished speaking to the people, that they shall make captains of the armies to lead the people.”

March 7th, 2023 by Pastor Ed in devotional

These verses complete an interesting list of requirements found in Deuteronomy 20, concerning those who would be allowed to fight in the army of God. It was a weeding out process done to ensure that only those in the right frame of mind spiritually were allowed to take part in the battle. There were 4 things that affected their readiness to be effective in battle for the Lord. Those to be excused from battle were:

1. men who had recently finished a new home,
2. men who had recently planted a vineyard,
3. men betrothed but not yet married, and
4. men who were faint-hearted, or simply, whose hearts
   were not in the battle.

Any man who fell into one of these categories was to go home. It was better to be without them than for them to negatively affect the other warriors on the battlefield. A distracted, half-hearted, faint-hearted, or frightened person couldn’t be relied upon to stand in battle. From the men left, they were to choose the leaders of the army.

God is still looking for followers who are not overly encumbered with the cares of this world. He seeks those who will forsake all and follow Him. Alan Redpath in Victorious Christian Living wrote: “Full blessing in the Christian life is not bestowed except to eager, hungry people who press in to receive it.” As we walk with the Lord, we will face battles every day. Our battle is with the flesh, the devil, and the world, but we can be encouraged because the battle belongs to the Lord (1 Sam. 17:47).

“LORD, we want to fully follow You through ever step today. Make us hungry and eager to serve in every opportunity presented to us this day.”