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Observations from today’s readings and today’s S-WOD, Friday, 25 April 2025:
Deuteronomy 3:2 — But the Lord said to me, “Do not fear him, for I have given him and all his people and his land into your hand. You shall do to him as you did to Sihon the king of the Amorites, who lived at Heshbon.”
When facing a new and intimidating enemy, God reminds Moses of past victories to build present faith. He instructs Moses not to fear Og, despite his size and reputation, because the outcome is already determined—victory has been given. This verse teaches that God’s promises and past faithfulness are the basis of our confidence in future battles. Christians are reminded to confront fear not by looking at the size of the challenge, but by remembering the God who has already delivered them before. Practically, this means stepping into difficult situations with faith rather than retreat, anchored in God’s unchanging power and promises.
Deuteronomy 3:18, 19 – All your men of valor shall cross over armed before your brothers, the people of Israel. Only your wives, your little ones, and your livestock (I know that you have much livestock) shall remain in the cities that I have given you….
God’s plan did not use women and children for battle. Not only were they more vulnerable, they were the source of future generations. Furthermore, the family is a representation of Christ’s love for His bride the church and the Father’s love for His children. The Patriarch protects His family, and He doesn’t need them to defend Him.
Men are called to defend their families. How are men today doing defending their families against spiritual attacks?
Deuteronomy 3:21, 22 – Your eyes have seen all that the Lord your God has done to these two kings. So will the Lord do to all the kingdoms into which you are crossing. You shall not fear them, for it is the Lord your God who fights for you.
God Himself is our warrior. We are not called to win the battle in our own strength but to trust in the One who fights on our behalf. When fear rises, it’s often because we feel we’re alone or overwhelmed. But God assures us of His personal involvement in the battle. The lesson here is simple but profound—faith is not passive; it moves forward in full assurance that victory does not rest on our ability, but on God’s. Practically, this means confronting life’s challenges with courage, choosing obedience even when it’s costly, and relying on God’s strength in our weakness.
How can you have fear if God Almighty is with you, doing the fighting for you? It takes faith to believe in what we cannot see and completely understand. We do not have ‘blind faith.’ Our trust and hope are based upon what God has already done and continues to do. He has always proven Himself faithful.
God promised the victory, but the Israelites still had to go into the battle with Him. Are you expecting God to hand you the victory with no effort on your part? Are you praying for God to remove a temptation or sin from your life when all you must do is walk away from it having already been freed from it by Jesus?
- 1 Corinthians 10:13 — No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
Deuteronomy 3:24 – O Lord God, you have only begun to show your servant your greatness and your mighty hand.
Do you have this sort of excited expectation of what God is going to do next in your life?
Deuteronomy 3:26 — But the Lord was angry with me because of you and would not listen to me. And the Lord said to me, ‘Enough from you; do not speak to me of this matter again.’
This verse is sobering. Even Moses, God’s chosen servant, was held accountable for disobedience. God’s justice is unwavering, even with those He loves deeply. Moses’ disobedience at Meribah had consequences that no amount of pleading could undo. The principle is clear: reverence and obedience to God matter, and spiritual leadership carries a weight of responsibility. For Christians, this teaches humility, the seriousness of sin, and the importance of submitting to God’s will even when it disappoints us. It calls us to trust that God’s plan is good, even when our personal desires are denied.
Deuteronomy 3:28 – But charge Joshua, and encourage and strengthen him, for he shall go over at the head of this people, and he shall put them in possession of the land that you shall see.
Even though Moses could not enter the Promised Land, he was still called to prepare the next leader. This is a powerful picture of selflessness, legacy, and humility. Moses had to let go of his personal desire in order to invest in the success of another. This is a lesson in mentorship and surrender—God’s mission is bigger than any one person. Christians are called to raise up and encourage others, especially when the spotlight moves to someone else. Practically, this means celebrating others’ victories, equipping the next generation, and finding joy in the part we’re given to play—even when it isn’t center stage.
God called Moses to prepare his replacement. Are you preparing the next generation to fulfill the Great Commandment and Great Commission in the next generation?
“Cross” Fit S-WOD (Spiritual Workout of the Day) – 25 April 2025: Choose one person today—whether it’s a family member, friend, or younger believer—and write them a message, have a conversation, or pray with them to encourage their walk with God. Speak life into their calling. Help them see how God might use them, and offer yourself as someone willing to walk alongside them.
Defenders Bible Reading Plan 