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Deuteronomy 20:8-9 (JDV)
Deuteronomy 20:8 The officers will address the army again and say, ‘Is there any man who is afraid or cowardly? Let him leave and return home, so that his brothers won’t lose heart as he did.’
Deuteronomy 20:9 When the officers have finished addressing the army, they will appoint military commanders to lead it.
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In an honor/shame culture, such a pep talk would immediately result in renewed determination to fight, and fight well. No one would want to sign up as a soldier, and then shrink back without engaging in battle.
Luke 9:61 Yet another said, “I will follow you, Lord, but first let me say goodbye to my family.”
Luke 9:62 Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”
Jesus demands the same kind of commitment. Following him is not a part-time job. If you get started with the work, you will be expected to keep at it until quitting time.
Lord, build in us a determination to stay loyal to you,and busy doing what you call us to do.
Devotions 
Fifty -two years ago I went to Viet Nam Quite reluctantly but I served a year and my childhood pastor said that Jesus would keep me safe as He had a work for me to serve Him. The pastor told me to seal Psalm 37 in my heart. I came home alive and unharmed and thirty-four years later the Lord opened a door for me to serve Him as a pastor. Great is His faithfulness!