Deuteronomy 9:1-3
“Hear, O Israel! You are crossing over the Jordan today to go in to dispossess nations greater and mightier than you, great cities fortified to heaven, a people great and tall, the sons of the Anakim, whom you know and of whom you have heard it said, ‘Who can stand before the sons of Anak?’ “Know therefore today that it is the LORD your God who is crossing over before you as a consuming fire. He will destroy them and He will subdue them before you, so that you may drive them out and destroy them quickly, just as the LORD has spoken to you.”
I’m curious how this was received. Were they excited, terrified or something in between. They knew this day was coming. He told them centuries before. Abraham was promised that they were to inherit the land. It had become part of the lore of the people. It may have been so common that they thought it was fictional comfort.
Here it was. It’s today that they are going in. It’s not a peaceful entry, but one that promises much resistance. Reference was made of the sons of Anak. These were reputed to be big, fierce warriors; an army of Goliaths.
We also have big days. Ones that we have mixed feelings about. We know they are necessary. We know that growth will be the result, but it’s scary none the less. We try to occupy our minds. Our insides seem to liquify.
Verse three makes all the difference, “Know therefore today that it is the LORD your God who is crossing over before you…” It’s as if we are to enter the ring and face a fighter. Yet our champion goes in first and softens up our opponent. We will have our turn. However, he’s a toothless, wearied lion. It still will be exhausting, but God is with us. We needn’t fear the lion’s roar. He’s on a leash and is muzzled.
God tells them this to give them confidence and courage that He’s with us, aiding us. He won’t give us more than we can handle (1 Corinthians 10:13).
Lord, thank You that You are always with us. Particularly on the big days. Thank You for Your encouraging words.