Daily Thoughts from Deuteronomy 20:1-4: Fainthearted (L’vav’kem Yerak

22 Fainthearted (L’vav’kem Yerak)

When you go out to fight your enemies and see horses, chariots and a force larger than yours, you are not to be afraid of them; because Yahweh your God, who brought you up from the land of Egypt, is with you.  When you are about to go into battle, the cohen is to come forward and address the people.  He should tell them, ‘Listen, Isra’el! You are about to do battle against your enemies. Don’t be fainthearted or afraid; don’t be alarmed or frightened by them; because Yahweh your God is going with you to fight on your behalf against your enemies and give you victory.’

(D’varim 20:1-4)

He always enjoyed reading these words from Moshe.  He liked the fact that God gave Yisrael’s army a chance to count the cost.  Each man was given an opportunity to go home without shame if he had built a new home, planted a vineyard, gotten engaged or just felt fainthearted or afraid.  Yahweh’s army must be voluntary, men whose hearts filled them to fight for Yahweh’s cause.

Was he afraid?  Yes.  The prospect of preaching as John had about the coming of the kingdom and what satan had observed would happen as he did frightened him.  But Yahweh had called him to this.  He didn’t have a new home, he had no vineyard, no wife.  His life was postured to do exactly what his Father had called him to do.  He had made it so in anticipation of this very time.

The satan.  He was nowhere to be seen.  This was a favorite visiting spot for wealthier people who would come here for rest and better weather.  Perhaps satan did not want to be seen by anyone else.  Or would they be able to see him?  Regardless, he felt a level of freedom that lifted him.

Sure enough, as he approached the shore there were a number of people there who had set up little camps.  A few of them were in the water.  He stooped down and cupped a handful of water and noticed how brackish it smelled and how oily it felt.  He knew that the lack of an outlet for this water resulted in a build-up of salt.  No fish lived in here.

He noticed that the people in the water were floating.  So he took off his outer garment and waded out and lay on his back and sure enough, he too was floating.  It was refreshing and enjoyable.  He laughed.  It had been days since he felt this mirthful and free.  After floating and singing a psalm for a while he came out and lay on the shore to dry.

Some of the visitors came over and asked him if he would care to eat with them and share company.

“Thank you very much.  I am fasting but I would greatly enjoy your company.”

As they sat around the campsite everyone began sharing a story or a song or some experience in their lives.  When it came his turn he told them that he was on a fasting pilgrimage and had only come here because he felt God’s urging for him to come.  He chose not to go into all the other aspects of what he was doing.

“Well, sir, we are pleased to have such a man of God among us.  In fact, we were just talking about how wonderful it would be to have access to such a counselor.  We are people of some means and could pay you amply for your services to us and provide quite a comfortable life.  You would be a great blessing to us if you agreed to come into our employ.”

Such an offer so immediately to someone they did not even know seemed so strange that he did not know what to say.

“We understand, we’ve sprung this on you quickly and you need time to think about it.  Pray to God and ask if He would give you permission.  In the meantime, enjoy our bounty that God has given us, as much as you can without breaking your fast.”

He nodded and the rest of the day passed without more mention of the job offer.  He had to admit that time with these gentle people was pleasant and that the chance to be bankrolled in the capacity they described would be most pleasant, as well.

“Father, is this why you brought me here, to see if I would find this tempting, to say no to something I would find so appealing?  But how could this in any way not be a betrayal of what You called me to?  Why did You lead me into temptation?  Surely You tempt no one!”

His new companions were enjoyable but just being here now felt like a compromise of his purpose.  He spent the night with them purposing to leave first thing in the morning and, of course, turning down their gracious offer.