5 Minute Read + Scripture readings
Today’s Bible Reading:
Today’s Bible Verse(s):
Deuteronomy 20:8 (CSB): “The officers will continue to address the army and say, ‘Is there any man who is afraid or cowardly? Let him leave and return home, so that his brothers won’t lose heart as he did.’”
Reflections on Today’s Bible Verse(s):
A virus has caused much havoc in our world for the past few months. While some friends of friends lost their lives to the virus, I didn’t personally know anyone who contracted it until last week.
After spending time with family and friends at a wedding, two nieces, a nephew, and another young adult tested positive for COVID-19. (Update 6/15: We just heard that another niece and boyfriend tested positive.) They said that they felt horrible during the illness and one niece said it was very difficult to breathe – it felt like an elephant was sitting on her chest. Fortunately, they are all young, had good immune systems, and seem to be recovering nicely.
Friend, a virus isn’t the only thing that can spread. When you look at the verse I have chosen for today, you will notice that fear and cowardice can spread, too. That’s why God commanded Israel’s officers to release any men from the army who were afraid. Why? Because fear would spread and a fearful army is a defeated army.
Fortunately, the opposite is true. Courage can spread. Confidence can spread. Joy can spread. All of these and so much more should, in general, characterize the follower of Jesus.
As we look at the world around us, we need to stay close to Jesus. We need to read His Word to remind ourselves of who we are and whose we are. We need to remind ourselves that God reigns supreme over every single thing that takes place around us including when a seemingly insignificant sparrow dies and falls to the ground (Matthew 10:29).
What attributes characterize you right now? If those around you “caught” what you’ve got, would they be better off or worse off?
Strive to live in such a way that you are spreading the character traits that are commanded in Scripture. The world would certainly be a better place if more Christians did this.
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Lord Jesus, these are certainly trying times. We’re observing things on the news that seem surreal. It’s like our world has turned on its head. I pray that I wouldn’t respond with fear. Instead, I want to respond in courage, faith, love, hope, peace, and with other traits that You expect of me. I also pray that I would become contagious, that other’s would catch what I’ve got. I pray this in Your powerful Name. Amen.
Matt’s Musings 