Nougat 20

A few months ago I was exposed to the work of some African scholars on misleading theologies. They sought to challenge ideas presented as biblical or as sound doctrine that were harmful, both literally and spiritually. Since then I’ve noticed more and more work in this field, both in Africa and beyond. Have you encountered misleading theology or found that a biblical text was taken out of context? Consider today’s Holy Nougat

“How could one person chase a thousand of them, and two people put ten thousand to flight, unless their Rock had sold them, unless the Lord had given them up?” ‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭32‬:‭30‬ ‭NLT‬‬

How Could One Chase One Thousand

I’ve incorporated this nougat in my prayer before, as part of what I understood as a battle plan. And to a greater extent, it is. The chapter, described as the final song of Moses, presents a reminder of God’s love for the Children of Israel and the call to obedience. One might suppose that Moses didn’t need to repeat the song, as the Children of Israel would have been very familiar with God’s deeds and sovereignty. But God knows us humans, even when we have the written Word carved in stone were prone to forget parts – rehearsals are necessary.

Reminding the Children of Israel (and by extension, us) of God’s love and sovereignty, Moses appealed to the need for obedience to God’s Word. And with the appeal was the potential reward for disobedience. In making the point about God’s sovereignty and calling for humility, Moses made the analogy about the Chase. Our Nougat shows that it is presented as a rhetorical question, not needing any response because the answer is already contained within the question.

Aside from high powered weapons of mass destruction, we know that it is next to impossible for one person to chase a mob. Yet that’s the riddle presented. Moses offers the solution right away – only by God’s grace and anointing. So it was not so much about an invitation to battle, as it is a reminder of God’s might.

That being said, we can ask for the power to chase a thousand or support to chase the millions. But we may need to know why and how we do so. Is it that we have chosen battle or are we under attack and needing spiritual reinforcement? Perhaps the battle we’re fighting below ought to be a battle fought above. For our fight is not against humans, or even only being transacted on earth, but against the spirit realm (see Ephesians 6). And when fighting spiritual battles, we have to use spiritual methods for the fight.

Remember David and Saul, when we read , it is tempting to see David’s exploits only – for Saul killed thousands and David tens of thousands. But David himself was conscious that all his battles were the Lords, allowing him to chase and kill tens of thousands. David’s extra vision resulted from divine intervention, including favor in unexpected ways and places as well as prophetic insights. Chasing the thousands requires both.

It is when God hands the battle over that we can overcome both here and in the spiritual realm. So, as we continue this day’s journey, I pray we tap into the Source of all power. Then, equipped by God’s grace we will overcome.

—

May all we seek be found in Christ