January 3 - New House

January 3 – New House

To write this study, I simply did a search for the word ‘new’ and pulled out all of the scripture passages that used the word.  Some of them are easy to consider and others are a little more esoteric, but even with today’s verse, it is astounding how God speaks to us.

Deuteronomy 20:5, “Then the officials shall address the troops, saying, ‘Has anyone built a new house but not dedicated it? He should go back to his house, or he might die in the battle and another dedicate it.”

This passage concerns the idea of going to war.  Moses, in speaking to the Israelites, tells them that when they go to war and see horses and chariots that are bigger than theirs to not be afraid, because the Lord will be with them.

“The Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.” (Deuteronomy 20:4)

Because of the great power of the Lord, the officers in charge were able to send those home who had things on their mind, such as dedicating their home or marrying their wife or enjoying their vineyard.  If someone is afraid, they should go home so that no one around them becomes disheartened.

The point of all of this is that God wanted to be the power behind the nation of Israel so that they could live their lives fully.

He still wants that for us.  Jesus says, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10)

Those things that we think we have to do and face in this life are much like the battles the Israelites had to face.  We fear so many things but God wants us to remember that He will walk with us.

Leave the battle – God’s got it.  Dedicate your new house, marry the woman you are betrothed to, enjoy your vineyard.  God is in control of the battle.