Onward Christian Soldiers!

Because ancient Israel has an army? Perhaps because they had faith? Perhaps they believe in themselves instead of trusting in God? They insist on fighting their battles, rather than letting the war on God for them?

Why fight for God's Israel in Egypt? They exercise faith, then? Have somehow lost their trust in the desert, after seeing God's mighty miracles? Does it make sense? They had heard what God was doing in Egypt from the beginning, and saw with their own eyes what God has done in 10 consecutive wounds. After defeating the only superpower in the world, God had spent his energy?

God took the gods of Egypt alone. Israel did not want to participate because their release be misinterpreted as a successful slave revolt. He took a people become a slave to his slave-Nation. Israel had only changed masters.

When God brought Israel out of Egypt by Moses, He said to Moses specifically to circumvent the points in which Israel would meet hostile forces, why not opt for the "safety" of Egypt (Exodus 13:17). They went out of their way to avoid war! It does not sound as if they were willing to give battle when you read accounts of their griping and complaining to Moses (Exodus 14:10-12).

Moses, full of faith, encouraged the faithful to believe God for the first time that Israel was engaged in battle under the command of Moses'! He instructed Joshua (even believers) to assemble a force to fight and defeat the annoying Amalekites (Exodus 17:8-16).

God had fought the first shots against the enemies of Israel, showing Israel would destroy their enemies. Now, God would fight in and through and for Israel! Moses' hands raised in blessing and military authorities assured the success of Israel. It was obvious to all, where their true strength came from (Ps. 33:16). Israel is only an instrument to fight in God's hands (Isaiah 41:15, Micah 4:13).

Many people understand the commandment not to kill should be translated "murder." God commands his ministers of state to judge and use the death penalty for various crimes (Romans 13:4). We were told to remember the Law of Moses' and obey it (Malachi 4:4). God authorized the state to act within the guidelines of his Law Book.

Israel was eager to enter Canaan - they were afraid! Moses admitted they were outnumbered and outgunned by the Canaanites, but reassured Israel that God was with them and grant them victory supernatural (Deut. 7:1-2, 16-24). When the spies brought their relationship to men of Canaan and Moses could want to run with their tails tucked between their legs (Numbers 13:31). Only Joshua and Caleb put things in perspective and encouraged people to trust in God (Numbers 14:9). Israel had no confidence in their abilities or God!

What many fail to realize is ancient Israel had no intention of entering the Promised Land by faith alone, but would require faith and works! God did not intend to do all the work for them. Israel has actively claim their inheritance. We do not have too?

Israel had no faith that God can work miracles through them! They knew that God could take on their enemies, but they doubted he could work through them. They focused on their weaknesses rather than on the strength of God God expected Israel to fight its battles and would ensure their success. Israel took the city at a time, slowly but surely making progress, subdue the earth and defeat their enemies, and yet give God all the credit - as our conversion process (Psalm 44:1-8).

Even David, a man after God's heart, he fought many battles for God and his people, but as God Victor. David would ask God if he should attack this time or place, and what to do, when and how, and God answered him (1 Chron. 14:10).

He Abraham, the father of the faithful, sin waging war against people who had kidnapped his family (Gen. 14)? Melchizedek blessed him, do not blame! Levi and children, following the call of Moses' arms (under the command of God), has passed through Israel's camp and slaughtered those who had sinned with the golden calf (Exodus 32:28). Perhaps they lack faith? No! They have acted faithfully! They put God before family and friends. Could not God have just sent a plague? Yes, but he worked with men.

Since God works through men, why not let Peter to defend Jesus? 1) Why the prophecy would be fulfilled and 2) because the Kingdom of God has not yet been established - otherwise Jesus told His servants must fight! This example teaches us that loyal citizens should be willing to fight and defend their king and country!

We currently have a "dual citizenship". Paul did not deny that he was a citizen of Rome or reluctant to exercise his civil rights (Acts 16:37, 22:25, 25:11). He did not just turn the other cheek when he was about to be flogged! There is a time and a place to wage war or declare peace (Ecc 3:8), to persecution and death, or run for your life (Matthew 00:16, John 8:59 !)

Spiritually speaking, we should all understand that we are only mortals, take temporary residence on earth, and be aware of eternity and live accordingly, waiting for our eternal inheritance in the Kingdom of God (2 Cor. 5:1 , Sal. 39: 12, 2 Pet. 3:11).

But what about "spiritual fornication?" If we exercise our right to vote and make policy, that is defiling ourselves with the system of this world? Only if and when it contradicts the commandments of God We should never disobey God to follow men (Acts 5:29). We are in this world and take an active part in its system of government and education every time we go to work and pay taxes or send our children to school or college! We're just to avoid those aspects of the system of this world who are biblically wrong (1 Jn. 2:16).

Joseph served in the administration of the pharaoh. It was spiritually contaminated? Daniel was in the belly of the beast - Babylon - yet he served the king and God Every time there arose a conflict of interest, Daniel put God first, as we always do. Nehemiah worked in the Persian government, but he was innocent before God in God even Nebuchadnezzar and Cyrus as his servants.

God is our Heavenly King over all, that is why we can not let others groped to usurp his authority over our lives. It is our husband and to hear anyone else would have dared to go against His Word is spiritual adultery and fornication. This is one of the greatest sins of modern Israel: giving in to pressure from international colleagues, rather than obey God!

But God is not our only sovereign. He ordered that men should not be left in a state of anarchy, but must obey the laws Noachide binding on all humanity: to establish a justice system, to refrain from idolatry and immorality, and abstain from eating blood (Acts 15: 29).

Christ is King of kings and Lord of lords, will not be ruling alone. God is our minister, and Jesus Christ our High Priest, but not consent to the ministers also human. We have a double standard when it comes to politics? A "dirty politics." And there is too much corruption and bribery. But what about religious scandals? Perverted adulterous preachers and ministers? It means that we must reject the idea of God having human servants? "Dirty religion?" Both church and state must clean up their act into Christ (Malachi 3:3).

God forbid Israel to have a king or a priest. He simply put restrictions on them and offered guidelines. The king was to be Jew, was not to put his trust in financial stocks or gold, or related to a huge arsenal of military weapons or defense of Israel, and he was to study the scriptures each day (Deut. 18 : 15 - 20). It 'been allowed a symbolic military force made up of volunteers (Judges 07:02, Deut. 20:5-9). The priest was to bless the Israeli troops before going into battle, to encourage them that God would fight through them, and raise the alarm with the trumpet silver holy (Deut. 20:1-4, Nu. 10 : 09, 31:6).

God was angry with Israel, when asked for a king, but not because they wanted a king - He had a check for that through Moses - but because they were rejecting God as Supreme Ruler (1 Sam. 8:20). They wanted to walk by sight, not by faith, too confident in leading human (Ps. 118:9).

The king had to lead the way (Psalm 1:10-11). Should follow in the footsteps of King David who promulgated the Law of Moses (1 Kg 2:3). Israel was only to follow the men who followed God's prophet Samuel warned them of greedy rulers, excessive taxes, and corrupt government, but have not yet decided to go ahead with their elections. Not that the religious world was at fault (1 Sam. 8:3). And God reveals that the best man should win all the time (Dan 4:17). But if we pray for God to lead us in deciding who to vote for or against, it is his responsibility to let us know what to do. Of course we should study the party platforms and see which is more closely aligned with biblical principles. E 'futile to think that our vote could hinder the will of God! He'll promote and those who want to downgrade (Ps 75:7).

Ancient Israel was both church and state, a theocracy. God recognizes the two branches of government and encourages us to do the same (Malachi 4:4-5). The two positions in Israel were anointed as a priest and king (Zechariah 4:14). The oil was representative of God's Holy Spirit, that Israel has asked to guide and direct their leaders.

We have seen how God has allowed the leaders to take away human life (Lev. 20). I am free to take the place of a police force (to protect and defend the community), and the use of armed forces to defend their country and family.

God holds the leader responsible for not having become greedy or bloodthirsty. We are not to enjoy the war, but use it as a last resort (Deut. 20:10-12). We only fight wars of self-defense and not throw our weight around (Lk 3:14). We hate the sins of our enemies and learn to love them, knowing that you are also made in God's image is and hopefully will come to their senses one day, we will not be trigger-happy or gloat over our enemies fall '(Proverbs 24:17).

God is using Israel to punish various nations during their journey back to the Middle East (Isaiah 11:14). And God will fight through the Jews in Jerusalem (Zechariah 14:14). Christ's coming back to earth for the war before he gives us peace!

God is not speaking only to Israel. Determined the result of various wars and battles leaving a group of pagans beat another (Deuteronomy 2:19-23). Moses also said it would be a pity if the various tribes of Israel did not rally any other defense (Nu. 32:20-23). It is a terrible sin to go to war if the servants of God instruct otherwise (Deuteronomy 1:42-45).

It's all a matter of faith and obedience. We are going to realize God is our true Commander in Chief and Captain of our salvation, and follow the guidance of his Holy Spirit (Josh 5:13-15, Heb. 2:10). But do not forget that God can and does through men inspired (Neh. 9:27).