Rules of War

Synopsis     Deuteronomy 20:4-14     3/3/2018

Moses gave specific instructions about the military preparations for war. He had discouraged the Israelites from having a king and a professional standing army. He also gave instructions concerning who should fight and who should be left behind.

Then, Moses delineated the rules of engagement with fortified cities. He further defined what spoils were authorized for the soldiers and the community in the case of victory.

Rules of War

1. A soldier with unfinished business is not free. The anticipation of battle forces a person to think about the inevitability of dying. For someone with lots of unfinished business, the prospect of dying in battle fills the heart with fear, regret, sadness and even grief. The soldier who is ready for battle is detached from unfinished business. His house is in order.
2. It is easier to take a city with an offer of compassion. Total war bolsters defenses. Leading with a compassionate offer melts resistance.

Love Your Enemy

In Jesus, there is a coming together of these two seemingly different rules:

Jesus was free. He was detached from unfinished business. He did not have property or material investments. He did not have personal projects that kept Him from engaging. He was not distracted. He could not be distracted. He was free from worry or regret.

Similarly, he was filled with compassion. As Creator, he wanted nothing more than to relate to His creation. Even now, He seems to want to experience the value of what He has done. His defenses are not up. He is approachable. And, even though He is an irresistible force, He extends the olive branch first, wherever he goes.

Detachment and Compassion: Key ingredients in the Way of Givenness.

“But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you” Matt 5:44