What role does obedience play in experiencing God's victories, as seen in Deuteronomy 3:5? Setting the Scene: Fortified Cities and a Faithful God “All these cities were fortified with high walls and gates and bars, besides a great many unwalled villages.” (Deuteronomy 3:5) • Israel is standing before Og’s massive strongholds—humanly impossible to conquer. • The people have one advantage: they are moving in step with the Lord’s explicit command (Deuteronomy 3:2). • The outcome? Every fortress falls, illustrating that God’s victories are experienced where obedience meets divine power. Key Insights: What Obedience Unlocks 1. Confidence to Advance • God’s directive (“Do not fear him…,” Deuteronomy 3:2) removes paralyzing dread. • Obedience replaces fear with faith, positioning the people to act. 2. Dependence on Supernatural Strength • High walls and iron bars outmatch Israel’s resources. • By obeying, they lean on God’s might rather than military ingenuity (cf. 2 Corinthians 10:4). 3. Full Possession of the Promise • God had sworn the land to Abraham’s descendants (Genesis 15:18–21). • Obedience is the bridge between promise spoken and promise enjoyed (Joshua 1:7–8). Scripture Echoes: Obedience Precedes Victory • Deuteronomy 28:1–2 — Blessings “overtake” the one who “diligently obeys.” • Joshua 6:2–5 — Jericho’s walls collapse only after Israel follows precise marching orders. • 1 Samuel 15:22 — “To obey is better than sacrifice,” a reminder that victories are forfeited when instructions are ignored. • John 14:23 — Jesus ties obedience to intimate fellowship: “We will come to him and make Our home with him.” Practical Takeaways for Today • Listen First – Seek God’s Word before acting; victories begin with clear direction. • Act in Faith, Not Sight – Circumstances may resemble Bashan’s towering walls, yet obedience invites the same divine intervention. • Expect God-Sized Outcomes – When the task is beyond natural strength, anticipate supernatural results. • Maintain Ongoing Submission – Yesterday’s obedience doesn’t substitute for today’s; keep responding to each fresh command (James 1:25). Living the Lesson Victories like those in Deuteronomy 3:5 are not relics of ancient history. They manifest whenever God’s people hear His voice and wholeheartedly obey, trusting Him to level every fortified wall in the path of His purposes. |
    |