The glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. – Isaiah 58:8
Those who take deep dives into military histories will study the Roman Emperor Julian’s attempts to conquer Persia in AD 363. He was inspired by Alexander the Great, assembling a massive army, developing bold strategies, and setting out on a series of battles in his quest for personal glory. His scorched-earth tactics had one unforeseen problem. The division that was supposed to be his army’s rear guard had lost its way and failed to show up. Instead of a victory, Julian’s army was forced into a peace treaty with the Persian king, which many now regard as the “most shameful in the history of the Romans.”
When the Israelites wandered in the desert for forty years, God provided His glory as a vanguard, a main guard, and a rear guard for the people. His cloud by day and fire by night guided them when they moved, overshadowed them when they were encamped, and protected them from all sides. In today’s America, people are deeply divided over cultural issues. Even some in the media have acknowledged it is no longer just a culture war… a spiritual war is underway in the land. The reality is that followers of Jesus are always in a battle that is spiritual, which must be fought with spiritual weapons. Scholar and pastor Tim Keller said, “You simply cannot read the Bible without seeing that at the center of existence is conflict. You may not like it. You may not want to have anything to do with it, but that doesn’t change it.” Just as God has promised to go before you and be with you, He has promised to be your rear guard and fight for you when you obey Him (today’s verse and Deuteronomy 3:22).
“It would be foolish,” Keller said, “to dismiss the reality of the kingdom of darkness that is set on our destruction.” The enemy is strong and devious, but God is stronger, and the battle belongs to Him. Be strong, put on the armor of God, and be strategic in your prayer life. Pray for members of the United States‘ Armed Forces, including those in the military academies who are learning from the histories of war.
Today’s Verse: Isaiah 58:8
Then shall your light break forth like the dawn,
and your healing shall spring up speedily;
your righteousness shall go before you;
the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Ephesians 6:10-18
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
