Before there was an age assigned to young men who could join the different armies in our own countries, God made it known that twenty years of age was the perfect age to join. We can find this out as we read in Numbers, chapter 1. It reads, “of the children of Judah, by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war; Those that were numbered of them, even of the tribe of Judah, were threescore and fourteen thousand and six hundred. Of the children of Issachar, by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war.” (Numbers 1:26-28) Out of every tribe of Israel, like Judah, God called men that were at least twenty years old to serve Him in war. It was different then. They didn’t serve a country, but their faith and what God stands for. This is in stark contrast to what happens when countries go to war against each other like what we see with Russia attacking Ukraine. It is sad to see all that bloodshed.
People who fought in the wars back in the times of Moses and later in Israel were very brave and devout men. “So were all those that were numbered of the children of Israel, by the house of their fathers, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war in Israel; Even all they that were numbered were six hundred thousand and three thousand and five hundred and fifty.” (Numbers 1:45-46) There were a great number of people back then who committed their lives to follow God and also died for their faith in war. In the USA, before a person can join the army, they must first do a few things. “You must be a U.S. citizen or resident alien. You must be at least 17 years old (17-year-old applicants require parental consent). You must (with very few exceptions) have a high school diploma. You must pass a physical medical exam.” Notice how there is an age requirement just like it was thousands of years ago in Israel. God knew what he was doing setting an age limit when it comes to serving in a war and we continue this today. People may start off a little younger now, but all the same, people go forth in order to fight for what is right. Amen.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, I am grateful for every person who serves in the military for the right purposes. This is to protect our country and not to invade others. It is sad to see what is happening in Ukraine with Russia invading them. Give them peace over there in Ukraine, even though it must be very difficult right now. If it is Your will, surround Ukraine with angelic forces that will help them in their fight. This way Russia will back down and the war will end. Life can get back to normal in Ukraine. Many buildings and houses will have to be rebuilt, but with people bonding together I know that this can go very smoothly. It took a while before places in Europe got back to normal after World War II, but with patience and time, things eventually got better. Lord, I know that there is a time and a place for war. You called people to go to war thousands of years ago in Israel, and I know that You will call all believers to fight for You in the future. I don’t know if I will be around or my children, but if I am needed and am alive, I will go forth in honor of my King of glory. I love You, Jesus. You are my God and I worship You. Thank You for saving me. I glorify Your Name in all praise and honor. Amen.
